The New Covenant

The sermon by Jeffrey Johnson focuses on the comparison and contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, as laid out in the Bible. Johnson aims to correct misunderstandings that see the two covenants as being in conflict or as representing two different gods or methods of salvation.Key Points:Unity Between the Covenants: Johnson argues that the Old and New Covenants are not mutually exclusive but are rather two sides of the same coin. They are unified in their ultimate goal: to lead people to Jesus Christ.Old Covenant as Preparation: The Old Covenant, including the Mosaic Law, acted as a guardian or tutor. Its purpose was not to save but to expose sin and point to the need for a Savior. It was limited in that it could expose sin but could not offer the grace needed for salvation.New Covenant as Fulfillment: The New Covenant, sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ, brings what the Old Covenant could only promise. It is not only a covenant of promise but a covenant of fulfillment. It offers complete forgiveness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to obey God's law written on their hearts.Exclusivity of the New Covenant: Unlike the Old Covenant, which included both believers and non-believers in the community, the New Covenant only includes those who are regenerated and have faith in Christ. Johnson emphasizes that Christ, as the federal head of the New Covenant, cannot fail in bringing all His people to salvation.Forgiveness of Sins: Perhaps most importantly, Johnson highlights that unlike the Old Covenant, the New Covenant brings the forgiveness of sins. The Old Covenant could point out sin and even show the way to forgiveness through types and shadows, but it could not forgive or regenerate. In contrast, the New Covenant offers complete forgiveness and forgets the sins of the believers.Johnson concludes with a heartfelt call to those who do not yet know the Lord, urging them to come to Christ who is the only means of salvation, where they will find full forgiveness and eternal life. He closes with a prayer, asking for the gospel to be powerful both for those already saved and those yet to be saved.