A: I will use a chart to lay out some of the differences.
OLD COVENANT | NEW COVENANT |
1. Law | 1. Grace |
2. Mediated through Moses | 2. Mediated through Christ |
3. Pointed forward to Christ | 3. Fulfilled in Christ |
4. Access to the Holy of Holies (the presence of God) limited to the High Priest | 4. All believers have access to the Holy of Holies through Jesus, who is now our High Priest (This is why the veil of the Temple was torn in two at Jesus’ death: Mt 27:51 |
5. Temporary | 5. Permanent |
6. Blood of animals an imperfect offering for sin | 6. Jesus’ shed blood a perfect offering for sin |
7. Atonement made once a year by the High Priest | 7. Jesus, our High Priest, made atonement once for all |
8. The Holy Spirit dwelt temporarily in God’s people | 8. The Holy Spirit dwells permanently in those who belong to God |
9. Levitical priesthood | 9. Melchizedek priesthood |
10. Continual sacrifices needed for sin | 10. Jesus’ one sacrificial payment for sin by His death on the cross means no more sacrifices are needed |
11. Obedience mainly out of fear | 11. Obedience mainly out of love |
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