Refuting Dispensationalism: The New Covenant is Now in Effect - Steve Gregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | In this lecture, Steve Gregg explores the concept of the New Covenant as outlined in Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing its relevance to Christians and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He argues that the New Covenant, established through Jesus’ blood, replaces the old Sinaitic covenant and is not a separate covenant for Israel and the church, as some dispensationalists propose. Gregg critiques dispensationalist views that suggest two new covenants or a future covenant for Israel, asserting that the New Testament clearly applies the New Covenant to the church, with Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper and the apostles’ teachings confirming its present reality for all believers, not a future event exclusive to Israel.

Gregg further supports his interpretation by referencing New Testament passages, such as Hebrews and 2 Corinthians, which indicate the New Covenant is currently in effect, with God’s law written on believers’ hearts. He challenges the dispensationalist expectation of a literal, future regathering of Israel, suggesting that Old Testament prophecies, like those in Ezekiel 37 and Isaiah 43, find spiritual fulfillment in Christ and the church, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. By emphasizing the New Testament’s spiritual interpretation of these promises, Gregg concludes that the New Covenant represents a universal inheritance in Christ, extending beyond a physical land to the entire world, with Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham’s seed.

Lecture Outline
1. Introduction to the New Covenant
• The New Covenant is the last covenant God made with Israel, relevant to all
Christians.
• Reference to Jeremiah 31:31-34, which describes a new covenant with the
house of Israel and Judah, distinct from the Sinaitic covenant.
• Key features: God’s law written on hearts, universal knowledge of God, forgiveness of sins.
2. Contrast with the Old Covenant
• The New Covenant replaces the Sinaitic covenant, which Israel broke (Hebrews
8:13).
• Analogized to marriage: only one covenant at a time, the old covenant is
obsolete.
3. Dispensationalist Views on the New Covenant
• Two Covenants Theory: Some dispensationalists (e.g., Lewis Perry Schaeffer, John Walvoord, Charles Ryrie) argue for two new covenants, one for the church now and another for Israel in the future.
• Future Covenant Only: John Darby posits a single future covenant for
Israel, with the church enjoying its benefits spiritually but not formally.
• Progressive Dispensationalism: Suggests partial fulfillment in the church
now, with complete fulfillment for Israel later.
• Critique: No biblical evidence for two covenants or partial fulfillment; these views stem from a need to fit prophecies into an end-times framework.
4. Biblical Evidence for the New Covenants' Present Fulfillment
• Jesus established the New Covenant at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20), mirroring Moses' covenant initiation (Exodus 24).
• Hebrews 8 and 10 quote Jeremiah 31 extensively, applying it to the present
church age.
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• 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 confirms the New Covenant's effect, with God's law written
on believers' hearts.
5. The Faithful Remnant and the New Covenant
• The New Covenant was made with the faithful remnant of Israel, represented
by the apostles at the Last Supper.
• The church, initially Jewish, is the New Covenant Israel, later including Gentiles (Romans 11).
6. Old Testament Prophecies and Spiritual Fulfillment
• Jeremiah 3:14-16: God promises to bring a remnant to Zion, with no need for
the ark of the old covenant, indicating a spiritual shift.
• Ezekiel 37:21-29: Describes a restoration with one king (the Messiah, Jesus)
and an everlasting covenant of peace, fulfilled in the church.
• Hebrews 13:20 links the everlasting covenant to the present church age.
7. Interpreting Old Testament Prophecies
• Historic Christianity uses the New Testament to interpret the Old Testament, seeing spiritual fulfillments in Christ.
• Dispensationalists prioritize a literal interpretation of the Old Testament, leading to expectations of future physical fulfillment.
• 1 Peter 1:10-12: Old Testament prophets spoke of the church's salvation, not fully understanding their prophecies.
8. Fulfillment of the Abrahamic Promise
• Paul (Romans 4:13) interprets Abraham's promise as inheriting the world, not just a strip of land.
• Psalm 2:8 and Matthew 5:5 extend the inheritance to the nations and the
earth, fulfilled in Christ and believers (Galatians 3:28-29).
9. Gathering of God's People
• Isaiah 43:5-6 and John 11:51-52: The gathering of Gods children includes
Gentiles, not just Jews, were fulfilled through Jesus' death.
• Luke 13:28-29 and Matthew 8:11: Gentiles join Abraham in the kingdom,
while some Jews are excluded.

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