In the modern world, where personal responsibility and inner transformation come to the forefront, the New Testament emerges as the true law of life for the new individual.

New Covenant: The Law of Inner Transformation

In the modern world, where personal responsibility and inner transformation come to the forefront, the New Testament emerges as the true law of life for the new individual. Unlike the Old Testament—which was addressed to a specific people and relied on collective rituals and sacrifices—the New Testament invites every person to a profound inner change through a revelation that transforms the heart and mind.

Within traditions where the Old Testament chronicles the evolution of the relationship between God and humanity through centuries-old covenants with the patriarchs of Israel, the New Testament presents an entirely different approach: it is based on personal transformation through Christ’s sacrifice, a change that not only alters one’s inner world but also empowers the modern individual to fully grasp the strength of their faith. Thus, in an era of rapid change and the search for personal identity, the relevance of the New Testament becomes even more apparent, inspiring inner renewal and a deep connection with God.

Which covenant—Old or New—can be considered more pertinent to modern life, and what is their primary difference?

The main difference between the Old and the New Testament lies in the fact that the former was primarily directed to a specific people, characterized by rituals and collective practices based on sacrifices and strict laws, whereas the New Testament is a revelation aimed at every individual, positing the law of life for a new self through personal transformation and the sacrifice of Christ. For this reason, in contemporary life, where personal responsibility and inner change are paramount, the New Testament can be considered more relevant.

For example, one source notes:
"One could define the New Testament as the law of life for the new individual. However, the Old Testament remains of interest to us in more than just a theoretical sense. Although the death of the old self has substantially occurred within us, it has not reached completeness. Baptism sows the seed of the new self in us, yet the old self continues to live actively." (source: link txt)

Another source emphasizes the historical and semantic connection between the two Testaments, stating:
"The Old Testament recounts the beginning of the relationship between man and God through the covenants made with the patriarchs and Israel over the centuries. The New Testament speaks of a new and final covenant, established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." (source: link txt)

Another important comparison underscores the fundamental difference in practice:
"The first covenant, to appease, involved killing animals, as the truth did not allow one person to die for another; the second covenant, however, is established by the blood of the One who graciously gave Himself for all." (source: link txt)

Thus, in modern life, the relevance of the New Testament is underscored, as its focus shifts away from external rituals and collective agreements to deep inner transformation and a personal connection with God through the teaching and sacrifice of Christ.