Peter Barnes | Jeremiah 31:31-34
SERMON NOTES
THE NEW COVENANT
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:1-13
– prophecy of the Messiah in 23:5-6; now of the new covenant (31:31)
– Judah and Israel become the church in Hebrews 8; this is a covenant of grace (Jer.31:32)
1. It promises life and power from the Holy Spirit.
– 31:33a; see Ezek.36:27; 2 Cor.3:3 (noting Ex.34:28-29; 24:7)
– the Spirit-filled Christian is a law-filled Christian (1 John 2:3)
2. It brings God and His people together.
– 31:33b; fulfils Ex.6:7; Lev.26:12; John 14:17, 23
3. It leads all believers to know God.
– 31:34a; not interpreted in a wooden way (note Eph.4:11; 1 Tim.5:17)
– compare Ex.20:19 and 1 Tim.2:5; see Matt.23:8-10; 1 John 2:27; it is about knowing, not guessing (John 17:3)
4. It provides for the forgiveness of sins.
– 31:34b; Ps.103:12; Micah 7:19 but Heb.10:1-4; Luke 7:47a; Bonhoeffer: ‘Wouldn’t you like it?’