To rightly divide and correctly analyze the Word of truth, we must understand the contrast between the old and the new covenants. In the Old Testament, animal blood was the sacrifice for sin, whereas in the New Testament, Jesus’ blood was the sacrifice. In this respect, there is no comparison between the two agreements. Everything under the old covenant was a shadow of the new covenant; when we read the Bible, we will not understand the Old Testament until we study it through the lens of New Testament grace. One of the major changes from the old to the new is that we now have the opportunity to receive new natures and be led by the Holy Spirit, who comes to live in born-again believers. Now, instead of having to rely on what we must do to be in right-standing with God, we only need to believe in what Jesus already did. Knowing the difference between old and new transforms and frees us.
