Topical Encyclopedia The allegory of the two covenants is a theological concept primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Galatians, specifically Galatians 4:21-31. In this passage, Paul uses the historical figures of Hagar and Sarah, along with their sons Ishmael and Isaac, to illustrate the distinction between the Old Covenant, represented by the Mosaic Law, and the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ.Biblical Context In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul addresses the Galatian Christians who were being influenced by Judaizers—those who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to the Mosaic Law to be fully accepted by God. Paul challenges this notion by presenting an allegory that contrasts the two covenants. He writes: "Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise." (Galatians 4:21-23) Hagar and Sarah In the allegory, Hagar, the slave woman, represents the Old Covenant, which is associated with Mount Sinai and the earthly Jerusalem. Her son, Ishmael, symbolizes those born according to the flesh, under the bondage of the law. Paul writes: "Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children." (Galatians 4:25) Conversely, Sarah, the free woman, represents the New Covenant, which is associated with the heavenly Jerusalem. Her son, Isaac, symbolizes those born through the promise, living in the freedom of God's grace. Paul continues: "But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: 'Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.'" (Galatians 4:26-27) Theological Implications Paul's allegory emphasizes the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. The Old Covenant, based on adherence to the law, is depicted as a form of spiritual slavery. In contrast, the New Covenant, established through faith in Christ, offers true freedom and fulfillment of God's promises. Paul concludes: "Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman." (Galatians 4:31) This allegory serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of the New Covenant, which liberates believers from the constraints of the law and invites them into a relationship with God based on grace and faith. It underscores the transition from the old order of the law to the new order of the Spirit, highlighting the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Galatians 4:24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which engenders to bondage, which is Agar. Nave's Topical Index Library The Two Covenants: their Relation Of the Children of the Flesh and the Children of the Promise. Of Spiritual Knowledge. The Difference Between the Two Testaments. Examples of the Various Styles Drawn from Scripture. Fourth Sunday in Lent But Now to Come to Something More Definite. ... And Erring Widely from the Meaning of Scripture, He Says that "God ... Galatians Chapter iv. He Recognises the Falsity of his Own Opinions, and Commits to ... Resources Does the Bible contain allegory? | GotQuestions.orgIs Song of Solomon an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church? | GotQuestions.org Is the book of Job a true story or a parable/allegory? | GotQuestions.org Allegory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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