Lesson 7: A Scholar's Guide to Biblical Exploration - The Two Covenants and Hermeneutical Principles
Understanding Scripture's Overarching Narrative Through Sound Interpretation
By Apostle Howard Tundu
Objective
To move beyond a superficial reading of the Bible by understanding its overarching narrative structure, defined by the covenants, and by applying sound hermeneutical (interpretation) principles to correctly handle the Word of God.
Part 1: The Grand Narrative - The Two Covenants
The Bible is not a random collection of religious sayings and stories. It is a unified, progressive story of God's redemption of humanity. The primary framework holding this story together is the concept of Covenant. A covenant is a binding, solemn agreement between two parties, often involving promises, conditions, and consequences.
While the Bible details several covenants (with Noah, Abraham, David), they ultimately culminate in two primary administrative covenants that define God's relationship with humanity: the Covenant of Law (Old) and the Covenant of Grace (New).
1. The Old Covenant: The Covenant of Law (Mosaic Covenant)
Reference: Primarily established in Exodus 19-24 and elaborated throughout the Torah (Genesis-Deuteronomy).
The Promise: "If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession... a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:5-6).
The Condition: Obedience to the Law. This included the Moral Law (the Ten Commandments), the Civil Law (governing Israelite society), and the Ceremonial Law (sacrifices, purity rules, priesthood). The Old Covenant was conditional - blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
The Mediator: Moses.
The Ordinances/Sign: The Sabbath (Exodus 31:16-17) and Circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14).
The Purpose:
- • To reveal the holy and righteous character of God.
- • To reveal the sinfulness of humanity (Romans 3:20, 5:20; Galatians 3:19). The Law acted as a mirror, showing people their need for a Savior.
- • To set apart Israel as a distinct nation through which the Messiah would come.
- • To serve as a "guardian" or "tutor" leading us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
2. The New Covenant: The Covenant of Grace
Reference: Prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:26-27. Instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20) and enacted through His death and resurrection.
The Promise: Forgiveness of sins and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people... For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:33-34).
The Condition: Faith in Jesus Christ. It is received by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Obedience under the New Covenant is a loving response to grace, not a means to earn it. Believe and live from the blessing of grace.
The Mediator: Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6, 9:15).
The Ordinances/Sign: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion). These are not means of earning salvation but are signs and seals of the grace already received by faith. Water baptism represents Union with Christ in death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4); Lord's Supper represents communion with Christ's body and blood in remembrance of His sacrifice (1Corinthians 11:23-26).
The Purpose:
- • To provide forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the finished work of Christ.
- • To internalize God's law, transforming hearts through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
- • To create a new, global people of God (the Church) composed of all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles.
The Relationship Between the Covenants: Continuity and Discontinuity
This is a critical area in our lesson. The relationship is not simple replacement but fulfilment and transformation.
Similarity with Old Covenant:
- • The same holy God.
- • The same core moral character. The morals sought to be achieved by the Ten Commandments are fulfilled through the Commandment of Love as imparted into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 22:37-40).
- • The promises to Abraham find their ultimate "yes" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
What was discontinued:
- • Law vs. Grace: The Old was based on "do this and live"; the New is based on "it is finished" - Christ lives in us and we already have life in us.
- • External vs. Internal: The Old was written on stone; the New is written on the heart (Hebrews 8).
- • National vs. Universal: The Old was primarily for ethnic Israel; the New is for all peoples.
- • Shadow vs. Reality: The Old Covenant's sacrifices, temple, and priesthood were shadows and types pointing forward to the reality found in Christ (Hebrews 8:5, 10:1). No more laws on food, Sabbath, removing shoes during worship, etc.
The shadows (rituals, sacrifices, dietary laws) found their substance in Him. The righteousness demanded by Law is imparted by grace through faith. The heart is now renewed to align with God's nature and to live according to His will. The veil was torn - access to God is now open to all believers (Hebrews 10:19–22).
Key Insight: When interpreting an Old Testament passage, a key question is: "How does this function in light of the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ?" This prevents both legalism (applying Old Covenant law directly) and antinomianism (rejecting God's moral standards).
Part 2: The Methodology - Proper Interpretation (Hermeneutics)
Hermeneutics is the science and art of biblical interpretation. Its goal is to discover the original, intended meaning of the text so we can faithfully apply it today.
The Hermeneutical Process: The Journey from Text to Application
Step 1: Observation (What does the text SAY?)
- • Read Repetitively: Read the passage multiple times, in multiple translations.
- • Ask the "5 W's and an H": Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
- • Note Key Terms: Identify repeated words, connecting words (therefore, but, for), and commands.
- • Identify Literary Genre: Is this historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, a gospel, an epistle, or apocalyptic literature? The genre determines the rules of interpretation.
Step 2: Interpretation (What did the text MEAN to its original audience?)
This is the heart of exegesis (drawing meaning out of the text, not reading it into the text).
- • Historical-Cultural Context: Understand the author, audience, time, place, and cultural customs.
- • Immediate Literary Context: "A text without a context is a pretext." Read the verses before and after and understand how the passage fits into the broader argument.
- • Wider Biblical Context: How does this passage fit into the entire biblical narrative? Let clear passages interpret unclear ones.
- • Grammatical Analysis: Look at verb tenses, voice, and sentence structure.
- • Theological Context: What does this passage teach about God, humanity, sin, and salvation?
Step 3: Application (How does this text speak to us today?)
Application is impossible without first doing the hard work of observation and interpretation.
- • Correspondence: How does the situation of the original audience correspond to our situation today?
- • Identify Timeless Principles: What is the underlying, transcultural principle?
- • Bridge the Gap: How does this principle apply to my life, my church, and my culture?
- • Ask specific questions: Does this reveal something I should believe? Does this reveal an attitude I should change? Does this reveal something I should do or stop doing?
3. Doctrine
Doctrine refers to the body of truth or teaching that God has revealed to guide faith and conduct. "My doctrine/teaching is not mine, but His who sent me" (John 7:16-17).
What Doctrine does:
- • It teaches who God is, His will, and His ways and how to relate with Him.
- • It trains believers in how to live.
- • It establishes believers in faith.
- • It protects believers from false teachers.
- • It promotes unity and stability in truth.
4. How to Read the Bible Effectively
- • Read Prayerfully: Ask the Holy Spirit to open understanding (Psalm 119:18).
- • Read Systematically: Follow reading plans or book studies.
- • Read Devotionally: Let it speak to your situation.
- • Read Thematically: Study subjects (faith, grace, holiness) across both Testaments.
- • Read in Community: Discuss insights in study groups.
- • Apply Practically: Transformation is the goal - not information.
5. Case Study: Tithing
Observation (Old Covenant): The tithe (10%) is commanded in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 12:5-21; Numbers 18:21-28). It was essentially a national tax system that supported the Levitical priesthood, the temple, and national feasts.
Interpretation (Old Covenant): In its original context, the tithe was part of the civil and ceremonial law of the national covenant with Israel. It was mandatory and had specific uses.
New Covenant Fulfillment: Jesus fulfilled the Law. The temple and Levitical priesthood are no longer operational. The New Testament never commands a specific percentage for giving to the church.
New Covenant Principle: The New Testament elevates the principle of giving to one of cheerful, voluntary, and consistent sacrificial generosity based on one's means, not a fixed percentage (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Parting Words
For the Bible scholar, exploring the Scriptures is a thrilling, lifelong journey. By understanding the Bible's structure through the Two Covenants, we read it as a unified story of redemption. By applying sound hermeneutical principles, we ensure we are hearing God's voice as He intended, avoiding misinterpretation and building our lives and theology on the solid rock of truth. This approach honours the text, respects its divine Author, and leads to a mature and vibrant faith.
Practical Assignment
Apply the Biblical Interpretation guidelines and develop a doctrinal position on the following topics using scriptural references:
- • Should Christians abstain from eating certain meats?
- • Your position on Sabbath keeping
- • Your view on women teaching or holding ministry offices
- • Your position on tithing/giving
- • Your perspective on women covering their heads
- • Your position on polygamy
- • Your perspective on divorce and remarriage