Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.  For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. - Hebrews 8:6-7, ESV I am a God of covenant, and my covenants are good.  My old covenant said, "Do this, and I will bless you; fail to do it, and I will curse you."  The fault lay not with my covenant but with people's hearts.  Obedience by willpower rather than through reliance on the Spirit simply doesn't work. But my new covenant says, "You've broken my law beyond your capacity to fix it.  So I've done everything for you through Christ.  Enter into him and live in eternal security."  In this way I overcome your rebellion and resistance, writing my will on your heart. My old covenant helped you to come to the end of yourself - as you discovered that you do not have the power apart from me to obey.  I have led you into new covenant rest as you trust in Christ to do for you what you cannot do for yourself.