God's will is expressed under the new covenant in a far more comprehensive manner that was true under the old covenant.

First there are the exhortations found throughout the Bible. We are not under the Law of Moses now that we have counted ourselves crucified and risen with Jesus Christ. Nevertheless there is so very much that is helpful in the Old Testament—examples and exhortations that are as useful today as they were in the days they were recorded. The Book of Psalms, for example, certainly helps us find the will of God for our life.

Then there are hundreds of commandments found in the New Testament. There is enormous confusion in today's Christian preaching and teaching concerning the commandments contained in the New Testament writings. At some point the conclusion was drawn that these commandments are not to be obeyed. They are in the New Testament only to show us our need of a Savior, a need to be saved by grace.

This is not true. All the commandments and exhortations issued by the Lord and His Apostles are to be obeyed. We are to keep going to the Mercy Seat for help so we can do what the New Testament enjoins upon us. If we do not, you can be certain we will not grow spiritually; we will not please the Lord; we will be punished when we die or in the Day of Resurrection.

If we love Jesus we will do what He commands in the Bible. It is as simple as that. The current teaching that we are not obliged to keep the commandments in order to be saved is so manifestly of Satan that it truly is a marvel it has gained the ground that it has.

God's will is expressed under the new covenant, as I have said, through the exhortations found throughout the Bible and also through the commandments written in the New Testament.

Also, there are numerous occasions when the Lord speaks to us and tells us what to do. We can read in the Book of Act of the many occurrences of Divine direction. The Lord spoke to Paul on a number of occasions and directed him.

To this point, in our brief article, we have seen that the old covenant and the new covenant have points in common regarding the finding and acting upon the will of God. Both covenants contain God's will in writing, and both include personal directions from the Lord.

Now we come to the far more comprehensive expression of God's will, that I alluded to previously. I am referring to the forming of Christ, the Word of God, in us so we become the expression of the will of God. We are being formed as a covenant between God and His creatures. When the saved nations will obey what God expresses through us, then God will bless and prosper the people of those nations. If the saved nations refuse to obey what God expresses through us, those nations will be ruined.

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles," (Isaiah 42:6)

For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. (Isaiah 60:12)

To be continued.