From the Bible's perspective: ‘New Testament Light VS Old Testament Light’

 

From the Bible's perspective: ‘New Testament Light VS Old Testament Light’

 

Ex 34:29-30 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.

2 Cor 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

 

Theme	New Testament Light	Old Testament Light	Description	Explanation	Examples	Related Scripture
Location of Light	Shining  in hearts	Shining  on face	New Testament light is deeper, affecting inner life	NT light directly impacts believers' hearts, while OT light is more external	NT: God's light shines in believers' hearts OT: Moses' face shines	NT: 2 Cor 4:6 OT: Ex 34:29-30
Duration of Light	Eternal	Temporary	NT light  is lasting, OT light fades	NT light brings eternal change, OT glory gradually disappears	NT: Believers continually reflect God's glory OT: The light on Moses' face fades	NT: 2 Cor 3:18 OT: 2 Cor 3:7
Effect  of Light	Life  and freedom	Condemnation and death	NT brings life, OT shows consequences of sin	NT light brings spiritual life and freedom, OT light reveals sin and brings condemnation	NT: Believers receive new life OT: People condemned for failing to follow the law	NT: 2 Cor 3:6 OT: 2 Cor 3:7,9
Medium of Light	Christ	Moses	NT transmits light through Christ, OT through Moses	Christ is the perfect expression of God's glory, Moses is God's chosen servant	NT: Christ's face reveals God's glory OT: Moses' face reflects God's glory	NT: 2 Cor 4:6 OT: Ex 34:29
Scope of Light	Universal	Limited to Israel	NT light extends to all believers, OT mainly limited to Israel	NT gospel is for everyone, OT law mainly for Israelites	NT: Gospel preached worldwide OT: Law given to Israel	NT: Matt 28:19 OT: Deut 4:1
Nature of Light	Grace  and truth	Law  and regulations	NT emphasizes grace, OT emphasizes law	NT reveals God through grace and truth, OT reveals God's standards through law and regulations	NT: Justification by faith OT: Obedience to law	NT: John 1:17 OT: Ex 20:1-17
Purpose of Light	To know Christ	To foreshadow Christ	NT directly reveals Christ, OT foreshadows Christ	NT light points directly to Christ, OT light points to Christ through types and shadows	NT: Believers directly know Christ OT: Sacrificial system foreshadows Christ	NT: 2 Cor 4:6 OT: Heb 10:1

 

This table compares the light in the New Testament and Old Testament, covering seven main aspects. It demonstrates both the continuity and differences between the two covenants, especially in how God reveals Himself and how this revelation impacts believers' lives. It's important to note that while the table presents contrasts, both covenants are part of God's revelation, with the New Testament building upon the foundation of the Old Testament.

 

*Please refer to the 2024 Memorial Day Conference - The Christian Life, Week Six: The Triune God in Christ as Our Life by Shining into Our Hearts