The Significance of the New Covenant (Matt 26.26-29) - 4-3-22

Opening Scripture texts are Exodus 24.1-8 and Matthew 26.26-29. The subject is “The Significance of the New Covenant.”Today, I want to contrast the Old Covenant with the New Covenant. Let’s compare the requirements before Christ with the requirements after Christ. Let’s look at the expectations of the Israelites back then and expectations of the believers today.I.Because of the New Covenant we can boldly come to the throne of grace. (Exo 24.1-2)a.Law v. grace. Law said worship from a distance. Grace says come near with boldness.II.Because of the New Covenant we know that faith is the key to God’s grace. (Exo 24.3-7)a.Works v. faith. Law says work to earn salvation. Faith says accept salvation that is freely given. Burnt offering = total dedication. Peace offering = thanksgiving and/or a solemnized vow.III.Because of the New Covenant we know that the blood of Jesus covers us. (Exo 24.8)a.OT blood covenant v. NT blood covenant. Law said the shed blood of an animal signifies God’s covenant. Remember the Passover? Mercy says accept the blood of Jesus for the remission of our sins.Amen.