Numerous individuals think that all scriptures in both parts of the Bible apply to modern day Christians, and therefore frequently become bewildered, as the content seems to contradict itself. However, two distinctly different sets of rules apply to each of the Bible's two sections: one for those who were alive during and after the crucifixion and resurrection, and one for those who existed prior to the crucifixion.
When the Old Testament was written, the crucifixion had not taken place. Therefore, there was no such thing as what Christians refer to as "grace". Rather, sin had to be atoned for by a blood sacrifice. After Jesus was born and lived on Earth as a man-the point at which the New Testament began-it was no longer necessary to offer a sacrifice for one's sins, as that is what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Hebrews, a New Testament Bible book, distinctly and clearly explains that the Christ established another covenant following his crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascent to heaven. In Hebrews chapter 7, God tells believers that the "old agreement", referring to the regulations adhered to by Christians prior to Jesus' death, had been nullified and the new covenant established. The latter is still in effect today, and it began with the resurrection of Christ.
The laws and rules described in the Old Testament are quite different from those contained in the New Testament. For instance, as mentioned above, an animal was killed and offered to God in order for individuals to atone for their sins. This animal was almost always a lamb, to symbolize the "lamb of God", who is obviously Jesus Christ.
Galatians, a New Testament book, is entirely devoted to urging individuals to not return to the rules and regulations outlined in the Old Testament section. Rather, they are to embrace the gift of forgiveness and grace.
The 7th chapter of Romans also refers to the old agreement versus the new agreement. In modern English it would likely read as the following: "We have been saved from the penalty associated with the law and no longer must we make sacrifices for our sins, but can now enjoy the grace of God."
Many religious organizations in today's modern world do not appropriately separate the two primary parts of the Bible: the old agreement, given to Moses by God for the Jewish people, as referred to in the fifth chapter of Deuteronomy, versus the contract given in the New Testament to all individuals from Jesus himself, as referred to in the eleventh chapter of Matthew. Only when a person understands that the gift of salvation does away with the letter of the law can he or she thoroughly understand the concept of old covenant vs new covenant.
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