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We have, according to Hebrews 8:6, a better ministry and better covenant, and better promises. In Hebrews 8:7 to 13, reasons are given that prove the new covenant to be better than the old covenant which is replaced.
A New Covenant Needed
Hebrews 8:7 "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second." (KJV)
The fault in the old lay in it being powerless to save. It contained a perfect moral code but it provided no power for the fulfilling of that code. It did show what would please God - but did not change the heart. Therefore the people failed to keep the covenant, despite their initial avowal to do so (Exodus 24:3 ). Nevertheless, God took the initiative in providing and establishing the new covenant, all the while the Israelites were clinging tenaciously to the old.
A New Covenant Promised
Back in the troubled time of Jeremiah the promise of a new covenant was made known (Jeremiah 31:31-34 ). How remarkable that this covenant was promised at a time when it appeared that all hope for Israel was lost. The ten tribes had long since been taken into captivity, and Judah, because of its sins, was about to be taken into Babylonian captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. God chose that dark time to announce through a suffering prophet that in His grace He had made provision for a faithless people (and for us all in a new covenant of salvation through the blood of Christ, which saving work would be inwrought by the Holy Spirit). The promised covenant of salvation in Christ has, and is, harvesting multitudes of the nations and peoples of the earth (Revelation 7:9 ).
That Israel is not to be left out is clear from the statements of verses eight and ten. There will be a mighty turning to Christ by Israel when as one nation they are living in the land of promise. Ezekiel 37:15- 23 confirm this - Isaiah marvels at the miracle swiftness of the birth of the nations (Isaiah 66:8 ). Paul, paraphrasing Isaiah 59:20-21 said,
The promise of the new covenant is applied to the Church by the writer to the Hebrews. This is in full accord with the teaching of Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11. The Scriptures are for our warning - hope - comfort - instruction and faith.
A New Covenant Defined:
In the New Covenant God's Law is Put in the Heart
The old had much to do with the external rites - the new is a supernatural inward work of the Holy Spirit. The law of God becomes inner, motivating principles causing a delighting to do God's will.
In the New Covenant God Possesses His People As His Own
They experience intimate fellowship, partnership and power, living the Holy Spirit controlled life. (Ephesians 5:18 ).
In the New Covenant Full Knowledge of God is Enjoyed by His People
There is a new intimacy with God that removes ignorance of Him. Knowing the Lord brings stability and strength to Christian living, and power to do exploits for God. (Daniel 11:32 ).
In the New Covenant There is Provision for Full Forgiveness
God's provision for forgiveness rests on the wealth of Christ. Made aware of unrighteous acts or iniquity we can come in full acknowledgment to God, in open confession. There will be no reproach nor will there be any replay or review. We shall know cleansing in the blood of Jesus from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 ).
In the New Covenant the Old is Made Obsolete
Ritual has given place to reality. From condemnation of the law, to "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:2 )
The Hebrews were being warned not to hold on to what is obsolete, growing old and about to vanish (Romans 8:13 ). Highly value what you have - you have Him!
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTIONIn view of the old covenant having much to do with external rites, what is so glorious in your experiencing the new (Hebrews 8:10 )?