by R. L. Morrison

One of the distinguishing features of the human race is the desire for something new. It has always been so. When Paul, the apostle, came to Athens, he found the people seeking something new. Acts 17:21: "For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing." People today are interested in the very latest model automobile, computer, or whatever may be new. Seeking new things among men in fields of material endeavor may be good. But men have permitted this desire to invade the religious realm also. Seeking new things in religion cannot be pleasing to God, for He has provided mankind with every new thing necessary to man's spiritual life and eternal salvation. Since these revealed things are the wisdom of God, man must abide in them to please God. There can be no change in the gospel and God be pleased. Paul made this plain and easily understood. "But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8-9).

Actually, the gospel itself is new, and it remains as fresh and new for each new generation as it is for we who live today. Consider, then, some of the New Things in the New Testament.

1. A NEW COVENANT

There is more then one covenant revealed in the Bible. Many sincere people do not recognize this, and the result is religious error. The first covenant was made with Noah (Gen. 9:8-16). God promised there would never be another flood, such as that of Noah's day. He gave the rainbow as assurance of it.

Later, God made a national covenant with the seed of Abraham, through Isaac and Jacob. This covenant was given to these people shortly after their deliverance from Egyptian slavery. God called Moses, whom He had appointed to lead these people, to come upon a mountain, where the law was given and later delivered to the people. This law included the "Ten Commandments." In Deut. 5:1-3, we find this covenant was made with and applied ONLY to those who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage and their descendants. No Gentile was ever under this covenant except they were bought as servants or slaves by one who was under the covenant. However, this covenant served its purpose, and was taken out of the way, being nailed to the cross of Christ (Col. 2:14). This old covenant looked to and prepared the way for the coming of Christ, who fulfilled it, and revealed a new one, which is applicable to all mankind. It is so designed to fulfill the spiritual needs of the human race until God shall declare that time shall be no more.

2. A NEW WAY

With a change of covenants, there is naturally, a change of action and a change of the priesthood. "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (Heb. 7:12) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). So the new way is not material, but spiritual. Therefore, we must approach him spiritually, for God is not a man but a Spirit. This approach is accomplished through and in Christ. One is baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27). In Christ and by his authority, it is possible for a person to approach God. (John 16:24).

In Hebrews 10:19-20, this approach is referred to as a "new and living way" by which we enter into the holiest, brought about by the blood sacrifice of Christ. This living way requires a living sacrifice. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

3. NEW CREATURES

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). The old things that pass away are the love of the world and the practice of sin. John says these "new creatures" are not to love the world (1 John 2:15). James says "The friendship of the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4).

One becomes a new creature by a new birth. "I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). The new birth is absolutely necessary for one to become a new creature and enter the kingdom of heaven.

4. NEW GARMENTS

God knows man's need and has supplied all that is necessary to fill that need. Jesus foretold the new garment in the parable of the wedding feast recorded in Matthew 22. The king provided the garment and the guest was expected to wear it. So it is with the new creature, who by the new birth, has entered the kingdom. This garment can be called the robe of righteousness. It is described by Paul in Col. 3:12-14 as kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, love and peace. Then in Romans 13:14, he wrote: "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

5. NEW WORSHIP

Under the old covenant men offered animal sacrifices, observed holy days, feast days and fast days. The priest offered the animal or blood sacrifice for the worshipper. None of these are observed in the new system of worship. Christ became the sacrifice and his blood was the offering for sin. Under the new covenant, each new creature is a priest, who through Christ offers his sacrifice, not blood, but a holy and pure life. "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). This must be done in "spirit and in truth", as stated by Jesus in John 4:24. This simply means sincerely, or from the heart of the new creature and in harmony with revealed truth.

6. A NEW REST IN A NEW HOME

Under the old covenant, the people of Israel, looked for an inheritance and rest in the land of Canaan. This was a physical inheritance and a physical rest. Both passed away with passing time. Such is not the case with the new creature and the new covenant. The promise is for a new rest, eternal in the heavens. Hear Peter: "Nevertheless, we according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13). Again: "Blessed the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Consider, if you will, these "Things new in the Bible". Finally, are YOU a new creature? If not, why not? Obey the requirements of the gospel. Put on Christ in baptism and begin to prepare yourself for that new inheritance that awaits in eternity!