Faith without religion.
Embracing the New Covenant: Understanding the Heart of Faith
In the recent broadcast of “From the Mecca of . . . Show 16L,” we explored a crucial aspect of biblical understanding that many believers overlook. The distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament is often misunderstood; however, it is essential for grasping the essence of faith today.
The Bible is not merely divided into an Old and New Testament. Instead, it comprises the Tanakh (the Old Testament) and what can be referred to as the apostolic record, a term coined by Tertullian. This distinction is vital because God’s New Testament is characterized by His promise to inscribe His laws on the hearts and minds of believers, rather than presenting a collection of written demands.
Jeremiah 31:32-33 emphasizes this new covenant, where God declares that He will put His law within His people. Paul reinforces this idea in 2 Corinthians 3:6, stating that the new testament is of the spirit, not the letter, highlighting the transformative nature of this covenant.
In our discussion, we examined the differences between the Old Testament and the apostolic writings. Paul notes in Romans 3:1-2 that the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God, underscoring the significance of their role in preserving the sacred Scriptures. The meticulous copying process established by the Levites ensured the accuracy of the Old Testament texts, with strict guidelines to prevent errors.
In contrast, the apostolic record lacks the same rigorous transmission methods. After Pentecost, the Spirit moved upon individual believers, allowing for a more organic and varied transmission of the apostolic writings. This led to numerous copies and variants, which were not intended to form a new law but to guide and instruct believers in their faith.
The apostolic writings serve as a historical tool and a collection of inspired texts that assist seekers in understanding God and His ways. They are not a new law but rather a means to foster a deeper relationship with Christ, who is the true Word of God.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that while both the Tanakh and the apostolic record are valuable, they serve different purposes in the life of a believer. The New Covenant emphasizes love and the internalization of God’s laws, contrasting with the Old Covenant’s focus on external adherence to the law. As believers, we are called to embrace the spirit of the law, which leads to love and unity, rather than using scripture as a weapon for division.