The Beauty of A New Covenant...

I don't normally do this, bear with me. Gaining this knowledge was a real turning point in my journey as a believer. A great burden has been lifted from my shoulders and I am finding rest for my soul. Being saved is not about ME and how well I keep my promises, but about God and how well He always keeps His. For those who are interested in such things, below is a short study of scripture on Old -vs- New Covenant Christianity. Feedback is always welcome:

1.) Jeremiah 31:31, 32- The Lord says a day is coming for a new covenant. What is a covenant and what is the old covenant?
Covenant definition:
1. A binding agreement made by two or more persons or parties; a compact; contract. A solemn agreement or vow made by believers to defend and support its faith and doctrine. God’s promises to man, as recorded in the Old and New Testaments.
3.) Genesis 9:8-17- Biblical covenants. What was God’s part? To do what He promised.
Genesis 15:1-6- What was Abram’s part in the covenant? To believe and it was counted as righteousness!
4.) Exodus 19:1-4- Moses is the mediator of the “old” covenant. The parties of which were the Lord and Israel.
5.) Exodus 19:5, 6- The Lord promised, “IF you will obey, you shall be a special treasure to Me above all the people, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation."
6.) Exodus 19:7, 8- Israel promised, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.” The agreement is about how to relate to the Law that God spoke. This covenant is not “the Law” itself.
7.) Exodus 24:4-8- The old covenant was ratified with the blood of animals.
8.) Hebrews 9:6-10- The ministration of this covenant was in a continual offering of animal sacrifices.
9.) Romans 3:20- There has never been a covenant of “works” given to save anyone, Galatians 2:16, 21 “no flesh” means EVERY person Old or New Testament.
10.) Galatians 3:15-18- The “old” covenant at Sinai did not make void the covenant that God made with Abraham and his descendents 430 years earlier, which was a covenant of promise or faith, not of works. Abraham's part in the Covenant was to "believe" God. See also Genesis 15:13, 14 and Exodus 2:24.
11.) Galatians 3:19-25- What is purpose of the Old covenant? To bring Israel to Christ. To show that it is impossible for anyone to be saved by works, because we are weak. If we could perfectly obey- a Savior would not be neccessary.
12.) Hebrews 8:6- Christ is the Mediator of a better covenant and better promises.
13.) Hebrews 8:7-9- Why did the old covenant fail? The Law? NO, the people! They made faulty promises--“we will DO what You command.” Of course, we know that they didn't & couldn't keep the covenant through sheer will power.
14.) Hebrews 8:10-13- Parties are again the Lord and Israel. The agreement is again about the law, 10 Commandments, not written on stone, but the heart and mind through the power of love! Commandments are now summarized by Christ as 'Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself'. This is known as having the 'Spirit' of the law.
15.) Galatians 3:26-29- There is literal Israel & spiritual Israel. Old Covenant is with literal Israel, Romans 2:28, 29. New covenant is with spiritual Israel.
16.) Ezekiel 36:22-32- Jesus makes the promises, not Israel--HE WILL DO IT! See also Phil. 2:12, 13; 1 Thes. 5:23, 24.
17.) Hebrews 9:12-15- New Covenant ratified by the blood of Christ, not animals. Ministration is Christ’s sacrifice, ONCE for ALL, applied in the heavenly Sanctuary.
18.) Hebrews 13:20, 21- The New Covenant is the EVERLASTING COVENANT. Jesus’ blood ratified this everlasting covenant--has to be the new covenant!
19.) Revelation 13:8- Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. This covenant was promised then, Genesis 3:15, but ratified at Calvary, which is why it is called the “New” Covenant since it was ratified after the “Old” Covenant.
20.) Galatians 4:21-31- A very clear picture of the two covenants! The old is of works, or the flesh, and the new is of faith. The old leads to earthly Jerusalem and the new leads to heavenly or the New Jerusalem.
21.) Hebrews 8, 9 & 10- for more information