New Covenant
God establishes a new covenant through Christ.
This doctrine defines Christian orthodoxy. Denial places one outside the historic faith.
What the traditions say
The New Covenant is established with believers. Unlike the Old Covenant which included a mixed community, the New Covenant community consists only of the regenerate.
The New Covenant is established in Christ's blood and made present in every Mass. The Church is the community of the New Covenant.
The New Covenant brings the gospel in its fullness. "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20). Every celebration of the Lord's Supper participates in it.
The Divine Liturgy is the celebration of the New Covenant. Every Eucharist participates in the eschatological banquet of the Kingdom.
The New Covenant is the final administration of the one covenant of grace. Christ's blood seals what was promised to Abraham and prophesied in Jeremiah 31.
Key scriptures
- Heb 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:
- Heb 9:15 — And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
- Jer 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:
- Jer 31:33 — But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- Luke 22:20 — Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.