Hebrews 8 – 10
Verse 8:6 opens with a “better” covenant:
But as it is, 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.
God has always placed us in a covenant with Him, the problem is if the covenant was obtainable or not. In studying of the Bible I believe this is a question that has been watered down significantly today. There is a belief that once you accept Christ there are no ties to the Law and its covenant. Also, as Gentiles we were never bound by the Law, so it should not matter. But Jesus never said he came to remove the Law, but rather to “fulfill” it.
What is the “New Covenant” anyway? Well that could be a title to a book all in itself, but in a nut shell we are saved by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus. No longer are we to spill blood for redemption of our sins, only confess them to Jesus for the price he has already paid. That’s the simple part, now how does the Hebraic Law apply to Gentiles who accept the saving grace of Jesus’ sacrifice?
I am still searching for that answer, but currently believe the Law was never meant to be a book of sins, but a majority of it was a guide to living life to the full. If we followed the financial principles, eating and other aspects, not as a legalistic set of rules, but as a guide, we would live life to the full as Jesus promised. Now do we have to do this? Nope and God will not “smite” us, but our health and financial position will not be what He had planned for us.
Verse 9:22 shows us the significance of Jesus’ death:
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
If Jesus was on this earth to eliminate the Law his blood would never had to have been shed! The key is He was the last sacrifice to cover the sins of past, present and future; all we need to do is confess them in His name. This is something that blew away the old system, since much of the sacrifice was to actually feed the Levites. That may have been an underlying reason for the resistance, who knows!!
Verse 9:28 is the reason why we need not worry:
so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
We get all freaked out over the second coming that it will be horrific. Guess what happens in the end? We win and live with God in paradise!! Why are we cowering awaiting his return? And it may be soon, if you follow the Saint Malachy’s prophecies concerning the pope. Just saying the accuracy is amazing and Cardinal Bertone matches the final pope, so see him obtain the position of Pope and we could be in store for front row seats!!
This reading today is so hopeful since it shows the connection between the Hebraic Law and the New Covenant. It takes some time to read and re-read, but do it so you can understand the real and true significance to Jesus’ life here on earth. Also, if you have never read the Bible in full, I would start with Hebrews. It is very confusing for a new believer, but it will provide the glue so as you read the rest and return it will become clearer.