The New Covenant: Heart vs. Ritual

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”

JOHN 4:23

“Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

2 CORINTHIANS 3:6

“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

JEREMIAH 31:33-35 (Hebrews 10:15-17)

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

ROMANS 2:28-29

“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”

PHILIPPIANS 3:3

“…we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”

ROMANS 7:6

The letter of the law refers to strict adherence to legal wording, emphasizing a precise interpretation of statutory language without deviation. This approach prioritizes the specific terms used in legal texts and seeks to apply them as they are written, often leading to outcomes that might seem rigid or mechanical. On the other hand, the spirit of the law pertains to understanding the intent behind the law’s implementation, focusing on the broader principles and objectives that the lawmakers sought to achieve. This perspective allows for greater flexibility and consideration of context, encouraging individuals and authorities to uphold the law’s underlying purpose rather than just its literal phrasing.

According to Jeremiah, “the qualities of the new covenant expounded upon the old are: a) It will not be broken; b) Its law will be written in the heart, not merely on tablets of stone; c) The knowledge of God will deem it no longer necessary to put it into written words of instruction.”[5] According to Luke (Luke 22:20), and Paul, in the first epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:25), this prophecy was fulfilled only through the work of Jesus Christ,[5] who said “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.” 

Christ did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. His purpose was to encourage people to look beyond the “letter of the law” to the “spirit of the law,” inviting them to embrace a deeper understanding of faith and morality. By highlighting the principles behind the commandments and the law’s intention, He aimed to reveal the heart of God’s desires for humanity—love, compassion, and justice. He sought to guide them toward living their lives with integrity, emphasizing that adherence to the law should not be merely a matter of ritualistic compliance, but a genuine reflection of one’s character and an expression of true devotion to God.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

MATTHEW 6:17-18

Christ’s warning to us needs to be understood by all who profess to be His followers; He did not come to this world as our Saviour to destroy the Law of God, rather, He suffered and died because fallen humanity transgressed that Holy Law. This vital message reminds us that the Law is not merely a set of rules to follow, but a reflection of God’s character and His desire for our spiritual flourishing. Through Christ’s mission, we come to a deeper understanding of God’s divine purpose, realizing that His grace enables us to uphold the very principles that define righteousness. In embracing Christ’s teachings, we are called not only to acknowledge our shortcomings but also to strive for a life that resonates with the love and truth embodied in the Law. It is through this transformative journey that we can truly appreciate the depth of His sacrifice and the hope it offers for redemption and reconciliation with our Creator.

His grace is no excuse to continue in sin, transgressing the Commandments of God.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God desires to write His Law in our hearts, that is—He desires to recreate us into His Image.

Christ has suffered and died that this work can be done in us. He paid the redemption price and made atonement for our sin—shall we therefore continue in sin that grace may abound?

We are not saved by the Law, which was a belief held by the Jews of old, but by God’s grace through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary; now saved, we are expected to obey, just as a father does not permit his children to live in disobedience, and this applies even more to our Heavenly Father.

“The same law that was engraved upon the tables of stone is written by the Holy Spirit upon the tables of the heart. Instead of going about to establish our own righteousness we accept the righteousness of Christ. His blood atones for our sins. His obedience is accepted for us. Then the heart renewed by the Holy Spirit will bring forth “the fruits of the Spirit.” Through the grace of Christ we shall live in obedience to the law of God written upon our hearts. Having the Spirit of Christ, we shall walk even as He walked.”

PATRIARCHS & PROPHETS pg. 372

Friends, may God continue to reveal His light before your path, guiding you through the complexities of life, that you may grow in grace and gain a deeper understanding of the Everlasting Gospel and its profound relation to The Law of God, —The Two Are Inseparable. As you journey forth, remember to seek wisdom in His Word, for it is through diligent study and heartfelt prayer that you will unravel the mysteries of faith. Be not deceived, for there are many false teachers in the world, deceiving and being deceived, preying on the unsuspecting hearts of those who seek truth. Stand firm in your faith and remain vigilant, allowing the teachings of Christ to illuminate your mind and spirit, ensuring you are anchored in the truth amidst a sea of confusion.

LOUD CRY COMPENDIUM


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