How New is the New Covenant?

[David Koberstein]

The idea of the New Covenant as presented in the Gospels and the Pauline letters may sound like something
completely new or innovative to modern Christ-like followers. But is it really?

The ancient Hebrew prophet Jeremiah had declared that in the future the LORD would establish a New Covenant
with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. The covenant, unlike the previous one, would be characterized by
God's instruction (Torah) being written on the very hearts of the ancient people of God (Jer. 31:31-34)

So were there Jews in the first century who believed that they lived in the days of the New Covenant, even if they did
not follow Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah? The answer to this interesting question is yes.

Thanks to several important archaeological discoveries, it has become clear that first-century followers of Jesus were not
alone in laying claim to the idea of the New Covenant. For example, we read that some Jews called the members of their
community "to observe the Sabbath according to its true meaning and the feasts and the day of fast according to the utterances
of them who entered into the New Covenant in the land of Damascus...To love each his brother as himself, and to strengthen
the hand of the poor and the needy and the stranger" (Qumran Scrolls, Cairo Damascus Document 8:15-17).

The Jewish followers of Christ Jesus differed from this other Jewish group in that they were persuaded that the New Covenant
had been inaugurated not near Damascus, but in the area of Jerusalem though the blood of Jesus (Matt. 26:26-29).
How New was this New Covenant? The idea itself was a very old Jewish one.

Shalom

 

[jeremiah1five]

The idea of the New Covenant as presented in the Gospels and the Pauline letters may sound like something
completely new or innovative to modern Christ-like followers. But is it really?

The ancient Hebrew prophet Jeremiah had declared that in the future the LORD would establish a New Covenant
with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. The covenant, unlike the previous one, would be characterized by
God's instruction (Torah) being written on the very hearts of the ancient people of God (Jer. 31:31-34)

So were there Jews in the first century who believed that they lived in the days of the New Covenant, even if they did
not follow Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah? The answer to this interesting question is yes.

Thanks to several important archaeological discoveries, it has become clear that first-century followers of Jesus were not
alone in laying claim to the idea of the New Covenant. For example, we read that some Jews called the members of their
community "to observe the Sabbath according to its true meaning and the feasts and the day of fast according to the utterances
of them who entered into the New Covenant in the land of Damascus...To love each his brother as himself, and to strengthen
the hand of the poor and the needy and the stranger" (Qumran Scrolls, Cairo Damascus Document 8:15-17).

The Jewish followers of Christ Jesus differed from this other Jewish group in that they were persuaded that the New Covenant
had been inaugurated not near Damascus, but in the area of Jerusalem though the blood of Jesus (Matt. 26:26-29).
How New was this New Covenant? The idea itself was a very old Jewish one.

Shalom

The New Covenant was completed by Jesus on the day of His last Passover (Last Supper.)

From the Synoptics
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mt 26:26–28.

22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
Mk 14:22–24.

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Lk 22:19–20.

From John
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
John 16:7–11.

There are only two things here not three. Sin and righteousness, and both are judged.

Jesus may have performed the requirements of the Law and fulfilled it, especially the Ceremonial Law, but it is when the Holy Spirit of Promise came/comes that the New Covenant began. Jesus says "it is expedient..." or "profitable" "better" or "good" that He goes away [so the work He's performed could be applied to the elect when they are born again from above.] This event performed upon the elect person is the beginning of their new life, the evidence of the start of the New Covenant era and is at this point when they are justified [declared "Not Guilty!"] a one-time event, and the beginning of their sanctification which is an on-going process. This happened on the Jewish Feast of Harvest aka the Pentecost when three thousand Jews were born-again inaugurating the start of the New Covenant era Jesus prophesied above in John's gospel.

The writings of the four gospels, the Acts, the letters from the various apostles (not Revelation), are only discussion and dissemination and exchange of knowledge taken from the Hebrew Scripture or the Old Testament which contains everything a Jew would need to navigate, learn, know, understand and experience the New Covenant era Israel found itself in. Apollos, Priscilla, Aquila, Saul, James, Peter, John, Luke, Mark, Barnabas, and others referred to the Scripture Old Testament for all their clues and knowledge to understand the things taking place among Jewry in Israel, Asia Minor, and other Gentile lands where Jews/Hebrews lived in majority as the Holy Spirit illuminated the minds and discussions of everything taking place from the Day of Pentecost going forward. They were Jews and they all had a testimony of their experience with God's Spirit that invaded their lives and to understand these things they all went to the Hebrew Scripture for their understanding.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
John 16:12–14.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Gal. 1:11–12.

We all, when under the anointing study the Scripture are given the same revelation of the New Covenant.
All revelation is found in study. FOR:

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine,
for reproof,
for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16–17.

This is the sign of true, biblical Christianity practiced by Jewish Christians. It was moored to the Hebrew Scripture.

 

[101G]

The Covenant with Israel was ADDED. God spoke of the Covenant..... that we call "NEW" was in his plans before man fell in the Garden. he had already provided himself the sacrificial Lamb for our sins from the foundation of the world.

and he spoke of it in Genesis 3:14 "And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:"Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

the NEW COVENANT, so called separate natural flesh from eternal spirit, as said above.

101G.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The Covenant with Israel was ADDED. God spoke of the Covenant..... that we call "NEW" was in his plans before man fell in the Garden. he had already provided himself the sacrificial Lamb for our sins from the foundation of the world.

and he spoke of it in Genesis 3:14 "And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:"Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

the NEW COVENANT, so called separate natural flesh from eternal spirit, as said above.

101G.

There were no additions to any of the covenants between God and the Hebrew people. Once it says, "The LORD left off speaking with [Abraham]" the covenant is closed.

22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham. Genesis 17:22.

 

[101G]

There were no additions to any of the covenants between God and the Hebrew people. Once it says, "The LORD left off speaking with [Abraham]" the covenant is closed.

22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham. Genesis 17:22.

because it's no more..... God made the covenant with all people including Israel, who is just one of many nations.

101G.

 

[jeremiah1five]

because it's no more..... God made the covenant with all people including Israel, who is just one of many nations.

101G.

Again, for those that reject the clear meaning of Scripture:

The Abraham Covenant is between God, Abram the Hebrew, and Abram's Hebrew seed, a people called the children of Jacob (Israel.)

The Mosaic Covenant is between God and the children of Israel (Jacob.)

The New Covenant as prophesied by Jeremiah is a covenant between God and the House of Israel and the House of Judah.

There are no non-Hebrew Gentiles included in any of these three covenants.

 

[101G]

The Abraham Covenant is between God, Abram the Hebrew, and Abram's Hebrew seed, a people called the children of Jacob (Israel.)

your first second, and third ERROR of the DAY.
A. the covenant is between God and "Abraham", and not "Abram"
B. The SEED is not Hebrew. if so, give the Lord Jesus natural father name.
C. A people, ERROR the Lord Jesus came ... "OUT" of the tribe of Juda... AND NOT "from" JUDA"... (SMILE), SCRIPTURE, Hebrews 7:14 "For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." BINGO, not from Juda, but OUT of Juda, which means he's not HEBREW, nor Jewish, nor Greek nor Gentile.... (Smile) .... LOL.
just as B. above is clear.

the covenant is for all people of ..... "FAITH" in Christ Jesus. and not by GENDER or NATIONALITY. as said in a court of LAW... "IGNORANCE is no excuse of the Law", nor for the word of God....... (smile) YIKES!.

101G.

 

[jeremiah1five]

your first second, and third ERROR of the DAY.
A. the covenant is between God and "Abraham", and not "Abram"

Incorrect. The details of God's promises (covenant) with Abram are already made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3.)
In Genesis 15 God is continuing His promises (covenant) with Abram:

18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: Genesis 15:18.

It is in chapter 17 where God changes Abram's name to Abraham.

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:1-7.

B. The SEED is not Hebrew. if so, give the Lord Jesus natural father name.

Again, you are incorrect. Abram is Hebrew and descendant of Eber, which translate to the word "Hebrew."
Jesus didn't have a "natural father." He had a stepfather whose name was Joseph.

C. A people, ERROR the Lord Jesus came ... "OUT" of the tribe of Juda... AND NOT "from" JUDA"... (SMILE),

Incorrect. It can be either.
So far you are 0-3. Strikeout. The side is retired.

SCRIPTURE, Hebrews 7:14 "For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." BINGO, not from Juda, but OUT of Juda, which means he's not HEBREW, nor Jewish, nor Greek nor Gentile.... (Smile) .... LOL.
just as B. above is clear.

Follow Mary's descendants. She was a descendant of Eber (Heber.)

34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala (or Salah.) Luke 3:34–35.

14 And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber: Genesis 11:14.

So, strike FOUR!

the covenant is for all people of ..... "FAITH" in Christ Jesus. and not by GENDER or NATIONALITY. as said in a court of LAW... "IGNORANCE is no excuse of the Law", nor for the word of God....... (smile) YIKES!.

101G.

Strike FIVE!

The covenant of Abraham, who was Hebrew (from Eber), is indeed a covenant between God, Abram the Hebrew (Gen. 14:13) and Abram's Hebrew seed:

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Genesis 17:7.

Everlasting means eternal. Forever. Never ending. As is also the Mosaic Covenant between God and the children of Israel, as well as the New Covenant which is between God and the House of Israel (ten tribes/sons) and the House of Judah (two tribes or sons) equaling a total of twelve tribes of Jacob/Israel. Jacob was Hebrew and the son of Isaac, and Isaac was Hebrew born from two Hebrew parents (Abe and Sarah, who were both related and descendant of Eber.)

14 And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber:
15 And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters. 16 And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:
17 And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters. 18 And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu:
19 And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.
20 And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug:
21 And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters. 22 And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor:
23 And Serug lived after he begat Nahor two hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.
24 And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah:
25 And Nahor lived after he begat Terah an hundred and nineteen years, and begat sons and daughters.
26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Genesis 11:14–26.

In Genesis 20:12, Abraham tells Abimelech: "Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife." This verse directly states that Sarah was Abraham's half-sister, sharing the same father, Terah, but having a different mother.

12 And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. Genesis 20:12.

STRIKE SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, and TEN!

Choose a different sport (or learn to read the Bible.)

Yikes!

 

[101G]

Incorrect. The details of God's promises (covenant) with Abram are already made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3.)

Genesis 12:1 "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:" Genesis 12:2 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:" Genesis 12:3 "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

101G got the blessing, thank you.

In Genesis 15 God is continuing His promises (covenant) with Abram:

Genesis 15:18 "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:"

and that promise "SEED", JESUS is neither Jewish nor Hebrew, Romans 4:13 "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

that's three Strike JUST RIGHT here.

It is in chapter 17 where God changes Abram's name to Abraham.

and that where he is HEIR OF THE WORLD, (NATIONS), read Romans 4:13 above again.
Strike 4

Follow Mary's descendants. She was a descendant of Eber (Heber.)

Strike 5, Mary and no other woman is not the Lord Jesus biological mother, she was only surrogate mother . LISTEN and LEARN, A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another person. now guess who that PERSON is, let the scripture speak, Matthew 1:20 "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

NOW, LET'S PUT AN END TO YOUR NONESENSE. the conceiver of the child is the Father of the child... Correct... correct, well now J5, tell us all ... and by scripture please, "what's nationality is THE HOLY SPIRIT?" .. who is the Father here.... scripture to the Holy Spirit. is he Jewish, how about Hebrew.... (smile), LOL, or some GENTILE nationality? see how IGNORANT YOU'RE .. YIKES!

not only have you struck out, but you're also not even in the game. no not even in the ball part, not now even in the state of the ball paerk..... no not even on the planet.

scripture, Isaiah 5:14 "Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."

no need to reply. ..... unless you have the scripture to the Holy Spirit earthly nationality. good day,

101G.

 

[JLB]

The idea of the New Covenant as presented in the Gospels and the Pauline letters may sound like something
completely new or innovative to modern Christ-like followers. But is it really?

The ancient Hebrew prophet Jeremiah had declared that in the future the LORD would establish a New Covenant
with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. The covenant, unlike the previous one, would be characterized by
God's instruction (Torah) being written on the very hearts of the ancient people of God (Jer. 31:31-34)

So were there Jews in the first century who believed that they lived in the days of the New Covenant, even if they did
not follow Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah? The answer to this interesting question is yes.

Thanks to several important archaeological discoveries, it has become clear that first-century followers of Jesus were not
alone in laying claim to the idea of the New Covenant. For example, we read that some Jews called the members of their
community "to observe the Sabbath according to its true meaning and the feasts and the day of fast according to the utterances
of them who entered into the New Covenant in the land of Damascus...To love each his brother as himself, and to strengthen
the hand of the poor and the needy and the stranger" (Qumran Scrolls, Cairo Damascus Document 8:15-17).

The Jewish followers of Christ Jesus differed from this other Jewish group in that they were persuaded that the New Covenant
had been inaugurated not near Damascus, but in the area of Jerusalem though the blood of Jesus (Matt. 26:26-29).
How New was this New Covenant? The idea itself was a very old Jewish one.

Shalom

The New Covenant is the renewed Abrahamic Covenant between the LORD (before He became flesh) and Abraham.


Most don’t understand this.

 

[101G]

The New Covenant is the renewed Abrahamic Covenant between the LORD (before He became flesh) and Abraham.


Most don’t understand this.

yes, by FAITH, and not by any bloodline. for the promise was given to Abraham by FAITH,
Galatians 3:11 "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." Galatians 3:12 "And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them." Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:14 "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:15 "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." Galatians 3:17 "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect." Galatians 3:18 "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise."

101G.

 

[JLB]

yes, by FAITH, and not by any bloodline. for the promise was given to Abraham by FAITH,
Galatians 3:11 "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." Galatians 3:12 "And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them." Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:14 "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:15 "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." Galatians 3:17 "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect." Galatians 3:18 "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise."

101G.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2


This is Jesus Christ the Son of God, who made covenant with Abraham.

 

[101G]

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2


This is Jesus Christ the Son of God, who made covenant with Abraham.

agreed.

101G.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Genesis 12:1 "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:" Genesis 12:2 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:" Genesis 12:3 "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

101G got the blessing, thank you.

Genesis 15:18 "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:"

and that promise "SEED", JESUS is neither Jewish nor Hebrew, Romans 4:13 "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

that's three Strike JUST RIGHT here.

and that where he is HEIR OF THE WORLD, (NATIONS), read Romans 4:13 above again.
Strike 4

Strike 5, Mary and no other woman is not the Lord Jesus biological mother, she was only surrogate mother . LISTEN and LEARN, A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another person. now guess who that PERSON is, let the scripture speak, Matthew 1:20 "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

NOW, LET'S PUT AN END TO YOUR NONESENSE. the conceiver of the child is the Father of the child... Correct... correct, well now J5, tell us all ... and by scripture please, "what's nationality is THE HOLY SPIRIT?" .. who is the Father here.... scripture to the Holy Spirit. is he Jewish, how about Hebrew.... (smile), LOL, or some GENTILE nationality? see how IGNORANT YOU'RE .. YIKES!

not only have you struck out, but you're also not even in the game. no not even in the ball part, not now even in the state of the ball paerk..... no not even on the planet.

scripture, Isaiah 5:14 "Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."

no need to reply. ..... unless you have the scripture to the Holy Spirit earthly nationality. good day,

101G.

Take me to your leader.