The transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant brought a shift in emphasis from trust in the system of temple worship and sacrifices to a faith in the efficacy of the death of Christ on the cross. In the going past the emphasis on the temple sacrifices, God was teaching that sin still required a payment. While obedience remains important, the heart of Christianity is simple faith in God’s provision to overcome our sins. Faith is required everywhere throughout the Bible. This faith-centred approach doesn't negate the need for righteous living but recognises that our acceptance is based on belief rather than perfect conduct. The shift to the New Covenant is a time when God’s ultimate provision in the death of His Son bearing our sins has been made visible in the Gospel message. Jesus, having paid the ultimate price, is the rightful owner and most devoted lover of His Church. As believers, we must be cautious not to let worldly pursuits or self-reliance draw us away from our faith, even while our salvation remains secure in Christ.
This sermon delves into core reasons behind Jesus Christ's mission on Earth, culminating in His death and resurrection, particularly focusing on the issue of human depravity. It emphasises the deceitful and desperately wicked nature of the fallen human heart, as illustrated in Jeremiah 17:9-10, and our incapability of self-redemption. The preacher underscores the necessity of divine intervention, where the only solution to this profound problem is the regeneration of the heart through Jesus Christ. Highlighting the essence of Easter, the sermon calls for a personal reflection on one's spiritual condition and the biblical invitation to experience the transformative power of Christ's love and sacrifice, promising a new, redeemed heart capable of truly reflecting God's image.
"There's an aspect of the old covenant which is very, very strict and paints a picture that is stark and often causing folk to reject religion and reject Christianity because of the wrath of God as seen in the Old Testament. That is, however, not the full picture that is fair to God and who he is because even in the old covenant, there is a graciousness that is represented."
Bible Text: Jeremiah 10:10, Isaiah 44:6, Philippians 2:11, John 1:1 | Speaker: Rev Dr Jim Gibson
Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Peter 2:1-3, Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:1-8 | Speaker: Rev Dr Jim Gibson | Series: 1 Corinthians