Old and New Covenants in Contrast

(2 Corinthians 3; Exodus 34:29-35)

This passage shows again the simple and stark contrast between God’s law and his gospel [Read 2 Cor. 3]. Think of a strict, demanding parent. This illustrates the giving of the law. “Billy, you must always mow the lawn, take out the garbage, be home on time, and get only A’s on your report card. Any failure in these duties will be punished.” Such demands have a noble aim, but they are certain to leave a child with frustration. He labors under the pressure of the expectations, sometimes doing well, but sometimes falling far short. He is like a dog whose owner habitually strikes him, and flinching whenever he comes in view. Such is the law. The Ten Commandments are perfect, but when considered by themselves, they don’t leave us with the hope of finding peace and comfort from God. [Read Exodus 34:29-35, then consider the following:]

“The written code kills….” (2 Cor. 3:6b), and “their minds were hardened. Today, whenever they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted” (3:14). With God’s commands comes the threat of punishment.  He said, I will “by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation” (Exod. 34:7). God’s law, when it stands alone, simply shows that he is perfect, and that he demands perfection from us. He never apologized for expelling Adam and Eve from Paradise.  The Law by itself gives no hope. The Christian must learn this well, so that the gospel of mercy and forgiveness is cherished for what it truly is: a priceless treasure. Our calling is of the same type as Paul’s, who said, “We are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word…. (2 Cor. 2:17).” God is watching to see how we speak. We must be clear. Our message must be His message,” clearly law, one the one hand, and clearly gospel, when it’s time for that. One is not to be confused with the other.

Recent revelations, via hidden video recorders, show the darkening side of American immorality. Planned Parenthood officials are shown discussing the selling of the organs of aborted babies as if one might talk of current fluctuations in stock prices. All have sinned, the Bible says. The command “you shall not kill” contrasted with the behavior of the human race shows a world in rebellion toward God. “Through the command, sin is shown for what it really is, and it becomes so large it cannot be measured,” Romans 7:13 says.

Christ died, not for good people, but for ungodly ones. It was while we were still in our sin that Christ died for us (Rom. 5:6, 8). When speaking to people who don’t trust Christ, we must be clear. God’s law still stands.  Yet, it only offers a good look in the mirror. My bathroom mirror show my face clearly, smudges, grime and all. When we tell people the gospel – the good news – a God they can trust for hope and forgiveness comes into view. The law, on its own, will only result in hardening and death. But speak the good news, and eternal life in Christ enters the picture. Cherish the gospel, Tell people the good news! God commissioned you for this. 

Live in the Bunker

Near Port Angeles, Washington stands a concrete bunker. It was built on an oceanside cliff in the early forties. Bunkers stand firm. They are thick concrete structures, built to fortify soldiers, withstand enemy bombardment, and allow for defensive retaliation.  This one was placed by the War Department as the United States entered World War II. My wife and I stood in it a few years back. 

This bunker, however, was different from most.  It had become a house! People were living in it, and had beautified the outside with flowers, and the inside with carpet, various furnishings, and lighting.

Think of your life in Christ Jesus as this bunker. 

The Bible says that no other foundation can be laid except that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. He is firm and solid, as is his love for you and his call upon your life. “I have loved you with an everlasting love,” God tells us. All his promises find their “yes” in Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul wrote. You are firm and safe - in Christ. He knows it, but do you?

The Apostle Peter writes in his second letter, “Because of the treasure of life in Christ, make every effort” to keep growing in him. Keep on! Don’t quit! God in Christ loved you with everything he has! Don’t be fooled by the empty promises of your own mind, or those of the world. They will deceive you.  Stick to his Word!

The Apostle then mentions seven great “things” which spring from that which “his divine power has given” you (verse 3). Think of a full suitcase you take on a trip.

When I travel, I take things I’ll need: toothbrush, clothing, phone, Bible, a favorite book or two, and so on. If you were to go on a trip, you wouldn’t leave your suitcase shut. You’d open it, unpack things and use them. The Apostle says, unpack and use that which is yours, and he names things we are to live with: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.

When I see Biblical lists like this, I tend to get overwhelmed. “I can’t do all that,” I think, and proceed to other passages.  But I have also found that, in re-visiting the promises, words of God’s love and his mighty saving acts, something happens inside me that’s quiet, but real.  God is working to build up my confidence in Him. Peter says: “Be zealous to confirm your call and election.”  God knows he called me.  He is firm. But I forget, looking inward instead of at his call. I need to confirm things, as you might do when you double-check your airline reservation.

How can you confirm your call as a child of God?  Go to his promises, and keep going to them. They will work on your heart and build you up. You will become more assured. And what about all those qualities? Sometimes we don’t see them in ourselves.  Maybe that’s why we have others to encourage us: “Hey, I see good things in your life! Way to go!  I’ll bet you’ve been spending time looking at the Master’s promises for you.” Live in the bunker. (2 Peter 1:3-11)