The Old Covenant was God’s law written on stones in Israel.
“And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” – Deuteronomy 27:8
The New Covenant is the God’s law written in Israel’s hearts.
“ I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts” – Hebrews 8:10
There is a big difference between stones and hearts.
Writing on stones is outward. Writing on hearts is inward.
Writing on stones requires a work. Writing on hearts requires faith.
Writing on stones can be done by men. Writing on hearts requires the work of the Spirit of God.
Yet, with these very big differences, one thing that both Old and New Covenants have in common is the law.
The law changed in the New Covenant, but the beneficiaries of both covenants are under law.
In contrast, the church which is His Body, is not under the law. Paul writes that the righteousness of God is now manifested “without the law” (Romans 3:21).
“…for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” – Romans 6:14
If the Body of Christ is not under the law, then the Body of Christ cannot be under either covenant.
It is not the law written in our hearts, but Christ who dwells in our hearts according to the mystery (Eph 3:17). When we believe the gospel, grace abounds without the law.
For Truth,
Justin “without the law” Johnson