The Old and the New Covenants

We have long since in this study of the Promises to Israel seen why, and under what circumstances, the old covenant was made, when Israel stood at the base of Sinai. That is called the first or old covenant, not because there was no covenant that preceded it, but because it was the first that was made “with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah”—with the whole house of Israel as such. The covenant with Abraham was more than four hundred years earlier, and it embraced everything that God can possibly bestow upon any people. It is by virtue of that covenant with Abraham, confirmed by God’s oath, that we now come with boldness to the throne of grace, and find strong consolation in all our trials. (Hebrews 6:13-20) All the faithful are children of Abraham.EVCO 527.2

But Israel of old proved unfaithful, and forgot or despised the everlasting covenant made with Abraham. They wished to walk by sight, and not by faith. They trusted in themselves, rather than in God. In the test, when God reminded them of His covenant with Abraham, and as a help to their faith in the power of His promise, reminded them of what He had already done for them, they presumptuously took upon themselves the responsibility of their own salvation, and entered into a covenant from which nothing but bondage and death could come. God, however, who abides faithful, even though men believe not, used even this as an object lesson. From the shadow they could learn of the reality; even their bondage should contain a prophecy and promise of freedom.EVCO 528.1