The Difference Between the Covenant God Made with Israel at Mount Sinai and His Original Covenant with Abraham
The covenants God made with Abraham and with the Israelites at Mount Sinai represent two pivotal moments in the history of the covenant people of God. Understanding the differences and similarities between these covenants is crucial for grasping the continuous nature of God's promises and the foundational role of these agreements in the salvation narrative.
The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic covenant, established in Genesis 15, is an everlasting covenant. It is rooted in God's promise of an eternal land grant and the promise of the seed of Abraham, who would be the redeemer of humanity. This covenant is described as immutable and is sealed with an oath by God, highlighting the certainty and inseparability of this divine pledge.
For when God made promise to Abraham because he could swear by no greater he sWARE by himself. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things His promise and His oath in which it was impossible for God to lie we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (Hebrews 6:13-18 KJV)
The Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai
The Mosaic covenant, revealed at Mount Sinai, introduced the Law of Moses, statutes, ordinances, and commandments. This covenant was unique in that it established Israel as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, bound by their oath All that Yahweh hath spoken we will do. This covenant was designed to elevate the moral and spiritual standards of the Israelites, purifying their practices and helping them discern the righteousness of God.
The Law of Moses depicted humanity as fundamentally sinful and separated from God, revealing the need for atonement through sacrifices and offerings. It was a legal framework that could not confer life eternal on its own. Instead, it was intended as a preparation for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the requirements of the law and bring eternal life to those who put their trust in Him.
The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt but had experienced God's deliverance, power, and mercy. As they emerged from the darkness of slavery, the Law was meant to guide their path to the Promised Land. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, including rebellion and unbelief. The incident with the spies and the subsequent 40 years of wandering exemplify the Israelites' struggle to trust and obey God.
The Significance of the Two Covenants
While the Abrahamic covenant promised eternal life and an everlasting land grant, the Mosaic covenant highlighted man's sinfulness and the need for a higher sacrifice. The Abrahamic covenant was based on God's immutable promise and oath, while the Mosaic covenant was a legal framework designed to lead the people to the eternal redemption offered by God through Jesus Christ.
For as many as are of the works of the law of Moses are under the curse: for it is written Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law of Moses in the sight of God it is evident: for The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law of Moses being made a curse for us: for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:10-13 KJV)
Paul highlights the essential nature of faith in the Abrahamic covenant and the law's inability to justify a person. The fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant is found in Christ, who offers eternal life through faith alone. Therefore, while the Mosaic covenant was crucial for the people of Israel to understand their need for a redeemer, the ultimate salvation comes through the new covenant in Christ.
Conclusion
The Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants are not contradictory but rather complementary. The former is the promise of salvation, while the latter is the law of preparation. Together, they form a narrative that points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Understanding these covenants is crucial for Christians today, as it helps us appreciate the continuity of God's promises and the significance of faith in redeeming God's people.
The Abrahamic covenant remains in effect, continuing to offer a hope of salvation. The new covenant, through Christ, now enables all believers to experience the promises of God in its fullness. May this understanding bring us closer to the heart of God and His eternal promises.