What is the new covenant?
The new covenant is God's promise — announced by the prophets and sealed by Jesus' death — to forgive sins fully and write his law on the heart. It replaces external rule-keeping with an inner, Spirit-given relationship with God.
Centuries before Jesus, God promised through Jeremiah a 'new covenant' unlike the old one: 'I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts… I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more' (Jeremiah 31:33–34). The old covenant law was written on stone; the new one is written on hearts.
Jesus inaugurated this covenant at the Last Supper, taking the cup and saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood' (Luke 22:20). His death is the price that secures the promised forgiveness; his resurrection guarantees it.
The new covenant changes how we relate to God. Instead of striving to earn acceptance by keeping external rules, believers are forgiven once for all and given the Holy Spirit, who works God's ways into them from the inside out (Hebrews 8). It is grace-based, heart-deep, and open to all who trust Christ.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.