Unveiling the New Covenant: Seeing God Through Jesus

Introduction:

In 2 Corinthians 3:12-15 NLT, the Apostle Paul contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant, symbolized by Moses and Jesus, respectively. The old covenant, represented by the law and the prophets, veiled the minds of the people of Israel, preventing them from fully understanding the truth. However, the new covenant, brought by Jesus, offers a new way to experience God's grace and truth without any veils. Let's explore the significance of this transition from the old covenant to the new covenant and how it reshapes our relationship with God.

The Old Covenant:

The Old Covenant was God's covenant with the nation of Israel, starting with Abraham and culminating with the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. It was a covenant based on obedience to God's commandments and was sealed with the blood of oxens. The books of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh or Old Testament) represent this covenant and outline how God related to the Hebrew people throughout history.

The New Covenant:

The New Covenant is the covenant that God made with the world through Jesus Christ. In this new dispensation of grace, God revealed Himself to humanity in the form of a human being - Jesus. This covenant was sealed by the blood of Jesus and represents a new dimension of God's nature that people can relate to and understand.

Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant:

Jesus is the central figure of the new covenant, serving as the mediator between God and humanity. Through His sacrifice, this covenant offers forgiveness, mercy, grace, and eternal restoration to all who believe in Him. Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Moses (Deuteronomy 30:6) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 33:31, 33) about a new covenant where God's law is written on people's hearts.

The Removal of the Veil:

Unlike the old covenant, the new covenant allows us to behold the glory of God without any veil. There is no need for intermediaries or sacrifices to access God; we can approach Him directly through the name of Jesus. The veil that once separated humanity from God has been removed, giving us a bold and confident approach to our relationship with Him.

The Significance of Jesus:

When Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. Peter suggested building three tabernacles for each, but God's voice proclaimed that only Jesus should be heard. This signified that the old covenant represented by Moses and the prophets had fulfilled its purpose and pointed to Jesus, who is the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and reconciliation.

Embracing the New Covenant:

While the books of the Law and the Prophets are still part of the Christian Bible, we must approach them with the understanding of what Jesus taught. Jesus removes the veil of the old covenant and shows us the real essence of God's message. By following Jesus' teachings, we can experience the fullness of God's grace and truth.

Conclusion:

The transition from the old covenant to the new covenant marked a significant turning point in human history. Through Jesus Christ, God revealed His true nature and provided a way for us to connect with Him directly. The old covenant served its purpose in pointing to the coming of Jesus, who brought forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. As we embrace the new covenant and follow Jesus' teachings, the veil is lifted, allowing us to experience God's presence and love without hindrance. Let us approach God with boldness and confidence through Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and embrace the fullness of God's grace and truth.