People of all ages enjoy getting new things. In religion, some are always seeking something new or different. Things that originate with men (religions, movements, ideas or doctrines are vain, Matt. 15:9). The only true and valid new things are those that began on Pentecost some 2000 years ago. They are still in effect, and will remain new until the end of the world. These “new things” should thrill our souls to serve God.
First, there is a NEW COVENANT. A new covenant was foretold in the old covenant (Jer. 31:31). The old covenant was broken by Israel (Jer. 31:32). God brought the old covenant to an official end at the cross when Jesus died (Col. 2:14). The new covenant went into effect after Christ's death—providing a new way to God (Heb. 9:15-17; 10:9f, 15-20).
Second, there is a NEW CHURCH. The old church consisted of the Israelites in the wilderness during the Mosaical age (Acts 7:38, KJV). The old church was governed by the old covenant. Moses was its mediator and lawgiver (Gal. 3:19; John 1:17). The new church consists of all the saved in the world (Matt.16:`18; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38,40,41,17). The new church is governed by the new covenant. Christ is its mediator and lawgiver (John 1:17; 1 Tim. 2:5).
Third, there is a NEW BIRTH. The old church was entered by a fleshly birth (Heb. 8:10,11). The Israelites were born into a covenant relationship with God. They had to be taught to “know” their God, after they were already in the family of Israel. The new church is entered by the spiritual birth (John 3:1-7). In the new birth, one learns of God before becoming a child of God (John 6:45). The word of truth produces the new birth (1 Pet. 1:22,23).
Fourth, there is a NEW LIFE. The old life before conversion is sinful (Eph. 2:1; Col. 3:9,10). The new life begins at the new birth when one enters the new church by obeying the new covenant (Rom. 6:3-6; 8:10-14; 2 Cor. 5:17). The new man has new thoughts and motives (Matt. 5:8; Phil.4:8). The new man has new ways, new habits and new friends.
Fifth, there is a NEW NAME. Under the old covenant, God was honored in the name “Israel”, with the el at the end referring to God. Now, we have a “new name”, that gives honor to Christ our Savior, in the name “Christian”, which includes the name “Christ” (Isa. 62:2; Acts 11:18,26; 1 Pet. 4:16). Sadly, most religious people in world that “claim” Jesus is their savior, prefer to wear another (denominational) name above and before the name “Christian”. This does not honor Christ (John 17:20,21; 1 Cor. 1:10).
Sixth, there is a NEW RESIDENCE. The Jews of old dwelt in the physical land of Canaan, with Jerusalem as its center. Christians are but pilgrims here, with real citizenship in heaven, with spiritual Jerusalem as its eternal city (Heb. 11:13,14; 1 Pet. 2:11; Phil. 3:20 (cf ASV); Rev. 21:1,1).
Conclusion. These “new things” are NOT something WE have made new, but are those things GOD has made new, that began in the first century, and will always be new for the gospel age. God wants everyone to be a part of it and to enjoy His blessings. These new things are truly exciting for honest hearts.
Don Tarbet