Posted on by Martin Johnson

Bible Authority and the Two Covenants

Lesson 1 in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
It is essential that the person you are studying with understands and accepts the fact that the Bible is our sole authority in religious matters. If he or she does not accept this, pause the study and share with them the study entitled “Scientific Test of the Bible” in the Special Studies series (coming soon, Lord willing).

Once the authority of the Bible is established, the rest of Lesson 1 deals with the Old and New Covenants. It is important to begin with this lesson for at least the following reasons:

  1. It is fundamental to understanding the Bible
  2. Few religious people have ever considered this important distinction and it might cause them to wonder about other things of which they are uninformed
  3. This may help to emphasize that they have been untaught or mistaught by denominational teachers
  4. It helps to alleviate or answer potential questions which may be raised in future studies (e.g. “Didn’t David use instruments?”).

The chart on the second page, which illustrates the information addressed in points 3 through 9, can either be referred to as each point is covered or be used to summarize what has just been taught.

Lesson 1: Bible Authority and the Two Covenants (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

OUR STANDARD

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Where have the Scriptures come from?

Are the Scriptures the word of God?

Is Bible study profitable?

Is the Bible complete enough to guide us in all spiritual matters?

Do we need any book other than the Bible to show us how to be pleasing to God?

 2. 2 Timothy 2:15

Is it possible to use the Bible wrongly?

Should we make an effort to study the Bible correctly?

THE TWO MAIN DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE

3. Deuteronomy 5:1-3

What is a covenant?

God made this covenant with whom?

Did God make this covenant at some time prior to this?

4. Deuteronomy 4:13

What was the basis of this covenant?

5. Jeremiah 31:31-34

What did God promise to make?

Was it to be exactly like the first one?

6. Hebrews 8:6-13

What did Jesus establish?

What happened to the first covenant?

7. Hebrews 9:15-17

When did the new covenant come into effect?

8. Galatians 3:19

[Note: “the law” = the 1st covenant, Heb. 9:18-22]

What was the purpose of the law (first covenant)?

It was to last until when?

Who is the Seed that was to come? (v. 16)

9. Galatians 3:24-25

What was “our tutor”?

Are we still under it?

10. Romans 15:4

Does the Old Testament still serve a purpose today?

What?

CONCLUSION

A. Are the Scriptures our complete guide in spiritual matters?

B. What part of the Bible (Old or New Testament) is our final authority today?

C. Do you want to study further to see what the New Testament reveals for your life?

 Additional Scripture References

1. 2 Peter 1:3, 19-21; 3:15-16; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 22:18-19

2. 2 Cor. 4:2; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:15-16

3. Exodus 19:1-9; 31:12-18; Ezek. 20:5-13; Malachi 4:4

4. Exodus 20:1-17; Deut. 5:6-21; 2 Cor. 3:7-16

5. Jer. 32:40; Ezek. 16:60-62; 37:26; Rom. 11:27

6. Hebrews 7:12, 18; 10:1-9; Ephesians 2:11-22

7. Eph. 2:13-16; Col. 2:13-17; Mark 15:37-38; John 19:30

8. Galatians 5:1-4; 2 Cor. 3:2-18; Hebrews 10:1, 9

9. Romans 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 3:3-16; Gal. 2:16

10. 1 Corinthians 10:6-11; Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).