Why Ignoring the New Covenant Is More Dangerous Than Breaking the Old (New Covenant Theology Explained)
In the Old Covenant, people were judged for breaking the law. That law, the Bible says, was given with the help of angels.
But the New Covenant? That came directly from the Lord Jesus Himself.
So here’s the question:
If there were consequences for ignoring the Old Covenant, what happens if we neglect the New one?
We talk a lot about God’s truth here, and rightly so. But Hebrews 1 and 2 remind us that the most important truth in all of Scripture is the gospel—the very heart of the New Covenant.
And the gospel is all about Jesus.
Jesus is God’s final word.
So if we won’t pay attention now… when will we?
The Supremacy of the Son Over Angels
Let’s look at Hebrews chapters 1 and 2. Hebrews is a fascinating book. We don’t know who wrote it, but it contains some of the most powerful warnings against falling away—and some of the clearest comparisons between the Old Covenant and the New.
The big idea is this:
Angels are servants. Jesus is the Son.
In the Old Testament, angels were sometimes called ben Elohim—“sons of God.” But that’s describing them as a class of divine beings. Jesus, on the other hand, is the monogenēs—the one-of-a-kind, uniquely begotten Son. He is in a category all His own.
“For to which of the angels did he ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’?” – Hebrews 1:5
There’s an ontological difference—a difference in level of being. Jesus is not just another angelic figure. He is God Himself. And we know this because Jesus is worshiped.
“Let all God’s angels worship him.” – Hebrews 1:6
That quote, drawn from the Septuagint version of Deuteronomy 32:43, drives the point home: Jesus is divine.
He’s not just divine in nature—He’s divine in authority:
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.” – Psalm 45:6
He is the righteous King. The everlasting Creator:
“In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands… They will perish, but you remain.” – Psalm 102:25–27
And He is the unquestioned ruler of all things:
“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” – Psalm 110:1
Meanwhile, the angels?
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 1:14
The contrast is clear:
Angels serve. Jesus reigns.
Angels minister. Jesus saves.
The Old Covenant came with angels. The New Covenant comes with the Son.
That’s why Hebrews 2:1 tells us:
“For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.”
The Message We’ve Heard: The New Covenant
What have we heard?
We’ve heard the gospel—the message of the New Covenant.
This message has deep roots. It didn’t begin in the New Testament. It was foretold in Genesis 3:15—the first gospel:
“I will put hostility between you and the woman… He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
That’s about Jesus. His death would crush the serpent.
We also see it clearly in Jeremiah 31:31–34:
“Look, the days are coming—this is the Lord’s declaration—when I will make a new covenant… I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts… I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.”
This was written 600 years before Jesus—but it was always God’s plan. The New Covenant is not an interruption in God’s story. It’s the fulfillment.
Why the New Covenant Is Greater Than the Old Covenant
Let’s break down five reasons why the New Covenant is greater than the Old Covenant:
1. It Comes from a Greater Messenger
The Old Covenant was given with the help of angels (Hebrews 2:2, Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). But the New Covenant?
“This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord…” – Hebrews 2:3
Jesus didn’t just announce the New Covenant. He established it in His blood (Luke 22:20). He is both the messenger and the mediator.
2. It Comes with Greater Consequences
Under the Old Covenant, every transgression was met with punishment.
“How will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” – Hebrews 2:3
Neglecting the New Covenant isn’t a lesser offense—it’s more severe. You don’t even have to rebel. Just ignore it.
And that neglect leads to judgment.
3. It Offers a Greater Salvation
The Old Covenant couldn’t save anyone.
“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” – 2 Corinthians 3:6
“By works of the law no one will be justified.” – Galatians 2:16
The Old Covenant awakened sin. But the New Covenant brings forgiveness, new life, and righteousness through faith in Christ.
4. It Has a Greater Testimony
The Old Covenant was written on stone tablets. The New Covenant was confirmed with miracles, signs, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts…” – Hebrews 2:4
God authenticated the New Covenant in power—and He’s still confirming it today through the lives of transformed people.
5. It Has Greater Future Implications
The Old Covenant was temporary—designed to fade. The New Covenant is eternal.
“If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.” – Hebrews 8:7
And in the future? The Son—not angels—will rule the world to come.
“We do not yet see everything subjected to him.” – Hebrews 2:8
But we will.
Four Distractions That Lead to Drifting
So what causes us to drift from the New Covenant? Here are four key distractions:
1. Obsession with the Spiritual Realm
Some people become fixated on angels, demons, spiritual warfare, or secret knowledge. That’s dangerous.
Angels are fascinating—but Jesus is supreme.
If your attention is on created beings more than the Creator, you’re drifting already.
2. Confusing the Covenants
Some teachers try to drag us back under the Old Covenant—emphasizing dietary laws, Sabbath regulations, or Mosaic restrictions.
But that covenant has been fulfilled and replaced.
We are under the law of Christ now (1 Corinthians 9:21). Don’t go backward.
3. Not Receiving the New Covenant Salvation
Many attend church for years without ever truly trusting in Jesus.
The gospel is simple:
Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
He is alive. And salvation is through Him alone.
Religious activity doesn’t save. Christ does.
4. Substituting Other Authorities for the Word
It’s tempting to elevate pastors, traditions, or personal experiences above the Word of God.
But the Bible is our final authority.
We must hold everything up to Scripture—including ourselves.
Stay the Course
A ship that goes off course by just one degree can end up in the wrong ocean.
Drifting happens slowly. Quietly. Subtly.
But the New Covenant demands our full attention.
We are told to pay closer attention to the message we’ve heard—because it came from Jesus Christ Himself.
Let’s ask God to help us live like the New Covenant is supreme—because Jesus is supreme.
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