Twisted Christian

Questioning the Christian norm

Why was a new covenant required?

Every Wednesday, my wife and I join two other couples where we sit around with snacks discussing the Bible. (snacks are essential) We pick one or two of the lectionary* readings from the upcoming week, and we are also working through Hebrews one chapter at a time.

Last night as we were discussing Hebrews 8, the verse about God's new covenant with us, we got hung up on a question posed by one of the group members.

Why did God need a new covenant?

What was wrong with the first one when He gave the Ten Commandments (and further 600)? His very first covenant with us was in the Garden of Eden, which we screwed up. Then came the 10 commandments. So what was wrong with this covenant that prompted Him to give us a new one?

The previous covenant that God had with His people was all-encompassing, but didn't really have an end. This one seems to (see Revelation), thereby making it seem like we don't need another one, but might we screw this one up too? Did we screw up the last one?

We didn't really have an answer.


*Our church uses the Revised Common Lectionary, where we are in Year B and the Season after Pentecost, also known as Ordinary Time.

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