What do the Old and New Covenants have in common?

The Old and New Covenants share the same purpose and effect in that both are designed to bring about reconciliation between God and humanity. The Old Covenant, established with the people of Israel, laid the groundwork for the coming of Christ and emphasized the need for atonement through sacrifice, pointing towards the eventual fulfillment in the New Covenant. The New Covenant, inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, fulfills and completes the promises of the Old by offering direct access to God and a transformative relationship through faith.

While the specific laws and rituals of the Old Covenant differ from the principles and grace embodied in the New Covenant, the overarching intent remains consistent: both covenants aim to establish a relationship with God and provide a pathway for salvation. This continuity highlights the unified narrative of Scripture and God's persistent desire for a covenantal relationship with His people, ensuring that God’s redemptive plan is central throughout the Biblical story.