The New Covenant of Christ: An Analysis of Matthew and 3 Nephi

Since time immemorial, the concept of a covenant has played a pivotal role in establishing a relationship between God and His chosen people. In the Christian tradition, one of the most significant covenants is the New Covenant, which is a central theme in the Bible and is often analyzed in chapters like Matthew 5:17 and 3 Nephi 20:21-22.

The New Covenant is a call to a deeper, more personal relationship with God, often seen as a guarantee of God’s steadfast love and mercy upon those who love Him. However, the precise nature of this covenant and when it was established remains a subject of both scholarly and theological debate. Let us delve into the text of Matthew 5:17 and 3 Nephi 20:21-22 to understand the formation and significance of the New Covenant.

Matthew 5:17 - The Law and the Prophets

Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew, often referred to as the Beatitudes, contains profound teachings on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. In verse 17, Jesus reframes the relationship between the Law and the Prophets, stating, 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. This statement is crucial for understanding the continuity and fulfillment of the covenants.

Jesus does not introduce a new covenant or reestablish an old one. Instead, He states that His mission is to fulfill the purpose of the Law and the Prophets. This fulfillment is not merely a validation of past scriptures but a transformation of their application. The Law and the Prophets provide the foundational guidance for righteous living, and Jesus ensures that these teachings continue to hold significance for believers.

The Continuing Obligation to Obey the Law

Continuing in verse 18, Jesus affirms the enduring relevance of the Law to say, Amen 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 commitment to the permanence of the Law highlights the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people.

Jesus follows this by warning against the negligence of the Law, stating that those who neglect even the smallest commandment will be considered the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. Conversely, those who diligently adhere to and teach the Law will be deemed great in the Kingdom of Heaven. This underscores the importance of both individual and communal obedience to God’s commandments.

3 Nephi 20:21-22 - A New Hope for Israel

Moving to the book of 3 Nephi, particularly verses 21-22, we find a promise that the people of Israel will be gathered and established in a new Jerusalem before the return of Christ. Jesus declares, “Behold, I will establish my people O house of Israel. And behold this people will I establish in this land unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob”. Here, Jesus promises that the fulfillment of the covenant with Jacob will occur through the gathering of Israel.

The establishment of the new covenant is closely tied to the restoration of Israel. This promise of gathering and establishing a new Jerusalem is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 37, which foretells the revival of a nation. Therefore, the new covenant will be realized when the people of Israel are fully restored and gathered together.

The New Covenant at Christ's Return

According to these passages, the new covenant is not to be established during Christ's ministry but will be realized at the time of His return. In the Beatitudes, Jesus promises that He will write His laws in the hearts of believers. This concept of the new covenant is realized with the internalization of God's law, making it not just intellectual knowledge but a part of one's being.

The new covenant, then, is an ongoing process, emphasized in the words of Christ, as He reiterates His intention to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. It is a covenant where the obligations of loving God and loving one's neighbor are deeply ingrained in the hearts of believers, transforming their lives.

Conclusion

Through the concise yet profound teachings in Matthew 5:17 and the expansive prophecy in 3 Nephi 20:21-22, we see the continuous and transformative nature of the covenants established by God with humanity. The new covenant is a promise of a deeper connection with God and the fulfillment of His plan for the restoration of His people. As believers, we are called to adhere to the Law and the Prophets, understanding that our faith is a lived experience, not just a set of rules to follow.