Understanding What the Bible Really Means

Written by Mysterious Blessingz

Introduction

One of the greatest sources of confusion in Christian theology is the misunderstanding between the words "covenant" and "testament." Many believers use these words as though they mean exactly the same thing, while others assume that the Old Testament and New Testament only began when the books of the Bible were written. This misunderstanding has led to debates concerning the Law of Moses, the death of Christ, salvation, grace, and the relationship between Israel and the Church.

To properly understand Scripture, we must distinguish between a covenant and a testament, while also recognizing where they overlap.

What Is a Covenant?

A covenant is a binding agreement established by God with people.

The Hebrew word for covenant is "Berith", while the Greek word is "Diatheke."

A covenant is more than a simple contract. It establishes a relationship and contains promises, responsibilities, blessings, and consequences.

Examples of Biblical Covenants

1. The Noahic Covenant

After the flood, God promised Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with water.

Genesis 9:11

"Neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood."

The rainbow became the sign of this covenant.

2. The Abrahamic Covenant

God promised Abraham:

• Land

• Descendants

• Blessing to all nations

Genesis 12:2-3

"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee."

This covenant ultimately pointed toward Christ.

Galatians 3:16

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made... which is Christ."

3. The Mosaic Covenant

Given through Moses at Mount Sinai.

Exodus 19:5

"If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant..."

This covenant contained:

• The Law

• Commandments

• Sacrificial system

• Priesthood

4. The New Covenant

Promised through the prophets.

Jeremiah 31:31

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant."

This covenant would be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

What Is a Testament?

The word testament comes from the concept of a last will that becomes effective after the death of the one who made it.

This is why Hebrews gives a very important explanation.

Hebrews 9:16-17

"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."

This passage introduces a legal aspect.

A covenant can exist while both parties live.

A testament requires the death of the one who made it before its benefits are distributed.

Why Are the Words Sometimes Used Interchangeably?

This is where much confusion begins.

The Greek word "Diatheke" can be translated as either:

• Covenant

• Testament

Depending on the context.

For example:

Matthew 26:28

Jesus said:

"For this is my blood of the new testament."

Many modern translations render it:

"This is my blood of the new covenant."

The same Greek word is being translated differently.

This does not mean translators made a mistake.

The context determines whether the emphasis is on:

• An agreement (covenant)

• An inheritance activated by death (testament)

The Old Covenant and Old Testament Are Not Exactly the Same Thing

Many Christians assume:

Old Covenant = Old Testament

While related, they are not identical.

Old Covenant

Refers specifically to the covenant God made through Moses.

Exodus 24:7-8

The covenant was established through sacrificial blood.

Old Testament

Refers to the collection of books from Genesis through Malachi.

The books contain many covenants:

• Adamic

• Noahic

• Abrahamic

• Mosaic

• Davidic

Therefore the Old Testament contains more than just the Old Covenant.

The New Covenant and New Testament Are Not Exactly the Same Thing

Likewise:

New Covenant

The relationship established through Christ's blood.

Luke 22:20

"This cup is the new testament in my blood."

Or:

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood."

New Testament

Refers to the collection of books from Matthew through Revelation.

The New Testament books describe and explain the New Covenant.

However, the books themselves are not the covenant.

The covenant is the relationship established by Christ's sacrifice.

When Did the New Covenant Begin?

This question has caused centuries of debate.

The Promise Came Before the Cross

Jeremiah prophesied it.

Jeremiah 31:31

The covenant was promised hundreds of years before Jesus was born.

Jesus Announced It Before His Death

At the Last Supper Jesus said:

Luke 22:20

"This cup is the new testament in my blood."

The covenant was being announced.

It Was Ratified Through His Death

Just as Moses used blood to establish the first covenant, Christ used His blood to establish the New Covenant.

Hebrews 9:18-22

Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.

It Became Effective Through His Death

Hebrews 9:16-17

A testament becomes operative when the testator dies.

Therefore Christ's death activated the inheritance of salvation.

Did the New Testament Start at Matthew 1:1?

Many people say:

"The New Testament begins at Matthew 1."

This is true in terms of the arrangement of Bible books.

However, it is not entirely true theologically.

During most of Jesus' earthly ministry:

• The Temple was still functioning.

• Priests were still offering sacrifices.

• The Mosaic system was still active.

Jesus was born under the Law.

Galatians 4:4

"Made under the law."

Therefore much of Jesus' earthly ministry occurred during the transition period before His sacrificial death.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the difference protects believers from serious errors.

Error 1: Thinking Salvation Came Through Moses

The Law revealed sin.

It could not permanently remove sin.

Hebrews 10:4

"It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."

Error 2: Ignoring God's Covenants

God's covenants reveal His redemptive plan throughout history.

Error 3: Confusing Bible Books With Covenant Relationships

The books record God's dealings.

The covenant is the relationship itself.

Christ Is the Fulfillment of Every Covenant

Jesus fulfills:

The Abrahamic Covenant

Galatians 3:16

Christ is the promised Seed.

The Mosaic Covenant

Matthew 5:17

"I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

The Davidic Covenant

Luke 1:32

Jesus inherits David's throne.

The New Covenant

Hebrews 8:6

"He is the mediator of a better covenant."

The Key Difference in Simple Terms

Conclusion

The Bible uses the words covenant and testament closely, yet they emphasize different truths.

A covenant is God's binding relationship with His people, established through promises and often confirmed by blood. A testament highlights the legal transfer of an inheritance that becomes effective through death.

The Old Testament contains the history of several covenants, while the New Testament records the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. The New Covenant was promised by the prophets, announced by Jesus, ratified by His blood, and brought into effect through His death and resurrection.

When believers understand this distinction, many theological debates become clearer. Above all, Scripture points us to Christ—the Mediator of the New Covenant and the One whose death secured the eternal inheritance of all who believe.

Key Verse

Hebrews 9:15

"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death... they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

© Mysterious Blessingz