The covenant at Sinai points to Christ by revealing humanity’s need for a mediator, exposing sin through the law, and foreshadowing the new covenant established through Jesus’ blood. The giving of the law at Sinai was a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, but it was never intended to provide ultimate salvation. Instead, it showed God’s holiness and the impossibility of attaining righteousness apart from His grace.
Exodus 24:7–8 describes the covenant ceremony:
“Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.’ And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.’”
The blood sprinkled on the people sealed the covenant and signified atonement, but the repeated sacrifices under the law revealed that sin was not fully removed. Hebrews 10:1 explains:
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come… can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.”
This shadow pointed to Christ, who said at the Last Supper:
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:20)
Jesus is the greater Mediator who fulfills the law and offers one perfect sacrifice for sins forever (Hebrews 9:15; 10:12). Unlike the temporary covenant at Sinai, the new covenant brings forgiveness, transformation, and access to God.
The covenant at Sinai teaches that holiness requires atonement and that the law drives us to Christ, who alone provides righteousness and eternal redemption.
