One of the most misunderstood concepts of the Bible among Christians of all faiths is that of the old and new covenants. For decades, if not for centuries, Bible scholars and commentators have spoken of the meaning of these covenants in a general way and thus with no particular appeal.
The problem has been that many of the explanations have grown out of a desire to prop up some cherished theological position. Thus the terms 'old covenant" and "new covenant" have become mere clich?'s that we use and hear, with no clear certainty about what they really mean. If you want to look directly at the nature of the covenants themselves, and find out what they actually are, The Glory and the Covenants is meant for you.
Many ideas regarding the covenants held by Christians are vague and meaningless. When asked what the two covenants are, most people fumble for words unable to give a solid Biblical description. Usually there is some indistinct notion about the old covenant being for Jews and the new covenant being for Christians and that's where it stays. However no one seems to know just where in the Bible it says that.
The Theologian and Apostle Paul, of Jewish and Christian heritage, is the one Bible writer to give the most detailed explanations of the covenants. Do you know the two foundational stories in the Old Testament that Paul uses as a foundation for his understanding of the two covenants? Can you give at least three illustrations from real life that Paul uses to depict the characteristics of the two covenants? Do you know just what characteristics someone will have in their life if they are trying to live under the old or new covenant? If you hesitated when thinking of answers to these questions then you will love reading this book. Lights will come on, indistinct things will come into focus, and you will no longer see "men as trees walking" (Mark 8:24)
While the other writers of the New Testament may have used the word "covenant" a time or two in their books, the Apostle Paul referenced it over 20 times. For Paul the understanding of the two covenants is the bedrock of his gospel proclamation. Without a proper understanding of the covenants a presentation of the gospel falls incredibly short.
Once you have heard the message of Paul unpacked in The Glory and the Covenants the subject will never be vague and indistinct for you again.
