What’s new in the New Testament

Most of us were taught that everything changed with the New Testament. Here we are going to look at some of the things that are said to be “new”.

“It used to be circumcision of the flesh, now its circumcision of the heart”

It was always about the heart. From the very beginning its always been about where your heart is. Did you know that the Israelites were told to circumcise their hearts long before the New Testament. Deuteronomy 10:16 “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”

“Now we have Grace”

God has always shown grace. Without it no one would live. Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD”. Exodus 33:17 ” And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” If you read Psalms, its full of talk about God’s grace.

“Jesus came for the gentiles”

The gentiles were always accepted by God and allowed to be part of His people. Leviticus 19:34 “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

Another thing to look at is what Christ said Himself. Mathew 15:24 “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

“The first Covenant was for Jews and the New Covenant is for Gentiles”

One of the things that many people don’t realize about the “Old Covenant” is that it was not given to “the Jews”. The word “Jew” is not even mentioned until 2 Kings chapter 16. The name “Jew” was given to the southern kingdom of Judah when Israel split into two kingdoms or houses. The covenant was given to Israel which are all of God’s people. Just like we read earlier in Leviticus 19:34, it includes Israel and those that dwell with them. So, who is the New Covenant for? Hebrews 8:8 “For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:” And just in case you thought that this is a new thing, this is a direct quote from Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:”

“The Law has been done away with and its not for Gentiles”

If we look at the words of the Messiah this can’t be true. In Matthew chapter 23 verses 2 and 3 He specifically tells us to listen to the words of Moses. “Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” And in Matthew 5:18 He makes a very clear statement “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Till Heaven and earth pass not the slightest thing will pass from the Law! Now, some people will say that the Messiah was a Jew, and he was talking to Jews so its still not for Gentiles. However, if we look at some of the things that Paul wrote we see that this same teaching is for the Gentiles also. Romans chapter 2 verse 13. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” This is Paul speaking to the Romans saying that the doers of the law will be justified. In fact, Paul specifically tells us to obey God’s commandments in 1 Corinthians 7:19. “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” Another thing to consider is the description of the “Saints” in the Book of Revelation. Chapter 14 verse 12. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Clearly God’s commandments must still be part of His plan.