No New Covenant?

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FindTruth7

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So my atheist friend is claiming ther eis no “new” covenant, that christians invented that. I’ve said it had been fulfilled in Christ, the PERFECTION of the law, the one true, ultimate sacrfice, but he answers:

"That’s where you are incorrect and are attempting to rationalize- you syay first, “Nothing is passed away from the law,” and then say, “We’re not called out to stone others.” The second is where you are incorrect: modern Christian leaders may not be calling out to you to do these things, but the Bible most definitely does. There is definitely a time and place for everything, but like you said, “nothing is passed away from the law.” There is no New Covenant with Jesus, it is the same- nothing from the law is passed away. He, yes, has fulfilled the laws, but says himself he is not to destroy it, and that it all remains in affect."

Any good theological advice?
 
:hmmm: Well, I don’t know what you can say to an atheist to convince him, and this is a long, difficult debate, but for starters you could point out that God foretold that He would make a new covenant:

Jeremiah 31
31 “The time is coming,” declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.

32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers… (NIV)
 
Luke65 said:
:hmmm: Well, I don’t know what you can say to an atheist to convince him, and this is a long, difficult debate, but for starters you could point out that God foretold that He would make a new covenant:

Jeremiah 31
31 “The time is coming,” declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.

32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers… (NIV)
Click to expand...
That’s something, thank you.
 
The whole thing is, this guy is trying to say that every single law of the OT should still apply, the sacrifice, the judgments, the traditions, the cleansings, the sabbath, slavery, the structure of order, etc.
 
FindTruth7 said:
The whole thing is, this guy is trying to say that every single law of the OT should still apply, the sacrifice, the judgments, the traditions, the cleansings, the sabbath, slavery, the structure of order, etc.
Click to expand...
Ahh, here you go:

Hebrews 7
18The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 8
6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

7For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8But God found fault with the people and said**:
“The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah…”

13By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. (NIV)**
 
FindTruth7 said:
The whole thing is, this guy is trying to say that every single law of the OT should still apply, the sacrifice, the judgments, the traditions, the cleansings, the sabbath, slavery, the structure of order, etc.
Click to expand...
I presume your friend doesn’t believe the OT directives apply to everyone (himself included) - but rather is implying that any who accept Scripture as authoritative should therefore still feel obligated to obey all the OT commands. If so, have your friend read chapter 5 in Matthew’s gospel and note all the “Your have heard it said…, but I say to you…” sections. Jesus definitely changes a few things. He “completes” **God’s instructions **to men by bringing them to a higher level - a level that more closely reflects His own mercy, love and justice. Your friend may not believe Jesus is God, but he’s aware Christians believe it. Therefore, the word of Jesus is the word of God.

The following is one example from Matthew 5:

Matt 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 5:40 and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 5:41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
 
FindTruth7 said:
The whole thing is, this guy is trying to say that every single law of the OT should still apply, the sacrifice, the judgments, the traditions, the cleansings, the sabbath, slavery, the structure of order, etc.
Click to expand...
Why would an atheist care anyway?
 
From 1 Corinthians 11:
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Click to expand...
 
Well, to be truthful, he’s not my friend, but one of my friend’s friend over the internet and my friend told me what he said and it just worried me, but thanks guys. His comments are easily blown away.
 
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