DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT REPLACE THE OLD TESTAMENT?

 

This quote below is considered Christ’s preaching about the Old Testament.

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

MATTHEW 5:16 – 18

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A16-18&version=NIV

The usual interpretation of this statement by most churches is that although Jesus had fulfilled what had been predicted by the law and prophets (the Old Testament), that nothing has changed. His death did not change our need to follow the Old Testament. Thus, the Old Testament was still in force. In effect, despite Christ’s life and death, there was no real effect. Christianity continues to be a religion of “Thou shall not” or God will condemn you to hell.

There is another interpretation based on the belief that God is loving and merciful, not vengeful, unforgiving, and punishing.

 

First of all, let us look at the definition of “Testament” in the biblical sense before translations into the vernacular.

 

The English word testament derives from a Greek term meaning “covenant.” In Hebrew, it means “agreement,” “covenant,” or “contract.” Biblical scholars have applied testament in four distinct but overlapping contexts in Scripture:

 

A Covenant

When the word testament is used in the Bible, it most often speaks of a covenant, as in the covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai when He established them as His people and gave them His laws (Exodus 19:3–6; 20:1–17; 24). It is in this context that the terms Old Testament and New Testament are explained.

https://www.gotquestions.org/what-does-testament-mean.html

 

In Matthew 5:17, When Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” 

Jesus was indicating that the terms of the Old Covenant had been fulfilled.

Thus, if Jesus fulfilled the term of the first covenant, then it must be replaced by a new agreement, The New Testament.

 

So, what is this Matthew 5:17 all about? “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

This statement by Christ is merely emphasizing what happens when a new agreement is in effect. The parts of an old agreement, not changed or revised by a new agreement, remain in force. Think of negotiations between a union and management to reach a new contract. The new contract may change salary increases, work conditions, etc., but much of the relationship between management and employees may remain the same. So, it is the same, The New Testament supersedes the Old Testament, However, some parts of the Old Testament covenant are in line with the New Testament.

One of the main tenants where both Testaments merge is the need to love God unconditionally.

However, the divergence is very clear. In the Old Testament, God was portrayed as a very stern Father. Loving behaviour toward God meant not doing things to offend him. If someone did something to offend God (sinned), then God would consider them an abomination and, if they did not repent, they would be thrown to the fires of Hell after death.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus hints at how the New Testament differs about how to love God: ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The New Testament clearly revolutionized the way to show God our Love.

 36 Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?  37 Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.  38 This is the greatest and the first commandment.  39 And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40 On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets.

MATTHEW 22:36 – 40

https://www.drbo.org/chapter/47022.htm

Jesus explains the shift from merely not sinning, to doing good to our neighbours, to show God our Love. Thus, Jesus explains what his statement meant in Matthew 5:18, 

“Thou shalt not (Not sinning)” is not the New Testament agreement to show God love. One should demonstrate that they have welcomed the Holy Spirit to inspire them to do good works for their neighbour in the name of God, to show love for their neighbours, for the glory of God, and to love God openly for the world to see.

The entire life of Jesus was showing his Father his love by helping everyone who needed His love and aid.

To love God, not sinning is not what the New Testament requires. Doing good acts overrides just not sinning. The churches should be preaching that doing good will devoid our lives of sinning and will manifest our Love of God.

 

Why do churches still deny that the New Testament now alone is the covenant with God?