Epistles

Friday, 14 December 2018

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Hebrews 8:7

In the previous verse, the author had contrasted the ministry of the Old Covenant to that of the new by saying of Jesus, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”

Now, concerning that “better covenant,” he says, “For.” He is building a logical case against observing the Law of Moses. He desires his audience, once and forever, to come to the grace of God which is found in Jesus Christ’s New Covenant. In order to do this, he continues by saying, “For if that first covenant had been faultless.” The statement demands the reader to acknowledge that it is, in fact, found to be with fault.

After all the discussion about the New Covenant setting aside the Old (meaning in its entirety), the author states what is evident from everything he has thus far said – that, because of its inherent weakness, a New Covenant was needed. The weaknesses are obvious: 1) The priests were sin-filled men just like all of Adam’s seed. 2) The law could make no one perfect, but rather it showed concerning sin (as Paul says), “that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful” (Romans 7:13). 3) The tabernacle and later the temple were corruptible and transitory. In fact, after the tabernacle was replaced with Solomon’s Temple, that was destroyed by the Babylonians. Then another temple was built which was destroyed by the Romans. 4) The sacrifices of the temple were imperfect and could never truly atone for human sin.

For these and other reasons, another covenant was needed. As he says, if the first covenant didn’t have fault (which it is proven that it does), “then no place would have been sought for a second.” However, a second covenant was sought. It is explicitly stated in Jeremiah 31, which will be cited in the coming verses. This covenant would be perfect in nature along with everything associated with it.

As an example, let us consider another aspect of the Old Covenant which was lacking in its nature – the office of prophet. Even the prophets who lived and prophesied under the law were sinful men. They spoke the words of God, but their utterances usually accompanied some type of claim, such as, “Thus says the Lord…” It wasn’t until the New Covenant that One came and spoke on His own authority –

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ²⁸ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:2, 28

This same One, who spoke under His own authority, also proclaimed that He was the One to establish the promised New Covenant –

“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” Matthew 26:17, 28

Life application: In Hebrews 1:1, the claim was made that God once spoke in certain ways, but now has spoken through His Son. In other words, what is recorded in the Bible is sealed and nothing can be added to it. Jesus has spoken. His apostles were granted authority to record their testimony of Him and to clarify the meaning of this New Covenant. Therefore, No other word is authoritative beyond the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. The author wants his audience to never go back under the Old Covenant which was faulty. However, we can implicitly see that the New Covenant, though on-going in nature, is fully explained in Scripture. No further revelation is needed, nor is it to be expected. When someone in a church says, “The Lord says,” except as a quote from Scripture, it’s time to find another church. Hold fast to the Bible, and to that alone.

O God of the Universe! You have honored us by granting us Your word, the Holy Bible. It points to Jesus, tells us of Jesus, and explains Jesus’ ministry to us. What more could we ever need? But even then, You’ve given us of Your Spirit to allow us to understand and accept the wonderful message it contains. Glory and honor belong to You! Amen.

Thursday, 13 December 2018

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Hebrews 8:6

The author has consistently treated subjects while demonstrating the superiority of Christ’s Person, work, and ministry over that of other comparable subjects. This has been seen, for example, in verses 1:4, 3:3, and 7:22. Once again, he has built a case for the superiority of the ministry of Christ, and of the covenant in which He operates. Having done so, he states the matter as such by beginning with, “But now.”

The words are in response to verse 8:3, which said, “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.” However, those words were only given in support of other thoughts presented earlier. For example, he spoke specifically of the introduction of this new priesthood in 7:11-18. He then noted the concept of the “better covenant” in verse 7:22. With these thoughts introduced, he then explained them, pointing out how what Christ did was, in fact, superior. And so this verse now is making a summary statement of those facts. He has shown the fault in the Old, and now he relays the surety of the New. With this in mind, he says, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry.”

What the line of Aaron did was at the direction of the Lord, and for the purpose of ministering for the people of Israel in a priestly fashion. In the accomplishment of this, a state of harmony between the people and the Lord should have been realized. But this never occurred. Even from the earliest days of the law, there was (and continued to be) strife between the people and the Lord.

In the case of the people failing to be obedient, it then became necessary for the high priest to mediate on the people’s behalf, petitioning for mercy. This was done through the sacrificial system, and especially on the Day of Atonement. However, as has been seen, and as will continue to be seen, this mediation was temporary and only as effective as it pointed to the coming Christ. Outside of that, it accomplished nothing permanent. However, concerning Jesus, His ministry is more excellent “inasmuch as He is also the Mediator of a better covenant.”

The better nature of the covenant was explained in verses 7:20-21 (and elsewhere). It was established based on an oath, it is an eternal priesthood, and it is able to save those under it to the uttermost (among other things). Finally, the author finishes the verse with the thought that this covenant was “established on better promises.” The word translated as “established,” was introduced in verse 7:11, and now this is its second and last use in Scripture. It signifies “to ordain by law.” When Moses received the law, the Mosaic Covenant was so established. With the coming of Christ, the New Covenant is likewise so established. These are legally established covenants which convey the will of God, and the means of propitiation between God and man.

The “better promises” of the New Covenant will be specified in the coming verses, especially verses 8:8 through 8:12. With those stated, he will sum up the thought with another explicit statement concerning the replacement of the Old by the New in verse 8:13.

Life application: In the words of Hebrews, the author is clearly and precisely detailing how the New Covenant is superior to, and how it has replaced, the Old. Its High Priest and Mediator is superior in all ways. In fact, Paul says in 1 Timothy that “there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” The promises on which Jesus’ ministry are based are also superior – they are on oath from God and are eternal in their scope and nature. In understanding these things, we can then understand why the author of Hebrews is writing this epistle. It is to implore the believer in Christ to not return to the Old Covenant. It is as if he is begging his people to think clearly. And so we must. Rest, O Christian, in the work of Jesus!

Lord God, the repetition of the precepts found in the New Covenant is gratefully accepted. Because of conflicting data from so many sources on what is and what is not applicable to Christian life, it is good to hear the same thought stated again and again in Your word in different ways. Thank You for solidifying our faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law. Amen.

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

… who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5

The previous verse acknowledged that the Levitical priesthood had priests who offered “gifts according to the law.” Because of this, Jesus couldn’t be a priest under that covenant – He is from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. It was the line of Aaron from the tribe of Levi which was set apart to minister and offer the appropriate sacrifices. But David said a priest would come according to the order of Melchizedek – one with an eternal priesthood and with none of the imperfections of the Levitical priests.

The term “foreshadowing” is one used of types and figures in the Old Testament. This is the case with both the tabernacle and its contents as is noted in this verse. The author says that these Levitical priests “serve the copy and a shadow of the heavenly things.” (Side note: there is no article in front of “copy” in the Greek. It thus more rightly says, “a copy and shadow.”)

The word “copy” signifies a model or an example. It is not identical to the original, but it is something patterned after it. The word “shadow” means exactly that. It is an outline without any substance in and of itself. There is nothing about it which conveys the reality of the original. Indeed, if the original did not exist, the shadow would not exist. With this understanding, the author continues with, “as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle.”

Moses was told this by the Lord in Exodus 25:9 and again in Exodus 25:40. The word translated as “divinely instructed” signifies to utter as an oracle. Thus God revealed to Moses what was to be accomplished, and how it was to be done. This divine instruction is then cited by the author from Exodus 25 with the words, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

As Moses was shown the pattern, then that means what he is making is only a mere representation of that. That then is the true sanctuary and the true tabernacle mentioned in Hebrews 2:2. The earthly tabernacle was nothing more than a copy and shadow of the reality found in heaven. What Moses was shown on the mountain, meaning Mount Sinai, was to be copied and made into a place for the priests of the covenant to minister at.

The word the author uses for “pattern” is tupos. It is where we get our modern word “type” from. It is a model based on a reliable precedent which is then closely followed. That is what the earthly sanctuary is, a type based on an original. With this understanding, it should be noted that Paul describes the dietary restrictions, festivals, other days of observance, and Sabbath days of ancient Israel in the same way as the author describes this patterned sanctuary. They are mere shadows –

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, ¹⁷ which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16, 17

These things mentioned by Paul, and which are based on the law itself, were given until the time of Christ; their fulfillment is in Him. The sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting, the tabernacle, the ark with its mercy seat, all of the other contents within the tabernacle, and indeed all rites and observances associated with these things, are simply pictures of Christ. Each pictures Him, and each finds its fulfillment in Him. As this is so, then all are set aside in His work.

Life application: If you are in a denomination which mandates a Sabbath Day, the observance of a particular festival, or any part of the Law of Moses, please know that these were fulfilled by Him on your behalf. You have freedom in Christ – you are not tied to such facets of worship. They could never justify you before God. Put your faith and trust in Christ alone and God will be pleased to call you His precious child.

Lord God, you have taken away such heavy chains from our lives – chains of condemnation for sin, chains of the law and its strict mandates, and chains of insecurity about the future, including what happens after our death. With such weight removed from our souls, it’s a wonder we don’t just fly away! And indeed, some glorious day we will. Glory to You, O God, for our Lord Jesus! Amen.

Tuesday, 11 December 2018

For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; Hebrews 8:4

Again, the author begins with “For.” One thought builds upon the next to establish his case. He has just stated that the purpose of a priest is “to offer both gifts and sacrifices.” He then said, based on that thought, that it is “necessary that this One also have something to offer.” What he is saying concerning the Levitical priesthood is that they, in fact, had something to offer. This begins to be realized with the words, “For if He were on earth.”

The “He” is referring to Jesus. Jesus was obviously here on earth, so the author isn’t talking as if His incarnation didn’t really occur. Rather, what did occur, and which is the focus of the author’s words now, is speaking about the earthly sanctuary of the Old Covenant. He is not concerned with any other religions which also conduct priestly functions, as if “on earth” was speaking of whatever religion man conjures up. Rather, his words are directed to only that which the Lord established. Under the Old Covenant, which has been seen to be a type of that which is in heaven and which will be seen explicitly in verse 8:5, Jesus “would not be a priest.”

The earthly sanctuary was designated specifically for the priestly line of Aaron. Further, the earthly sanctuary had specific gifts and sacrifices meticulously prescribed for its service. The types of gifts and sacrifices, how to offer them, when to offer them, what to do with each and every part of them after they have been sacrificed, etc. have all been minutely detailed within the law itself. Everything necessary to fulfill the Lord’s will under the Old Covenant is provided through the words of the covenant itself. This is why the author continues with the words, “since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law.”

There were priests according to the law, and these priests offered the gifts mandated by the law. Further, they offered them according to the law. Nothing is left for another to come in and fulfill a priestly task which was lacking. Every part of the system, upon which the Levitical priesthood was established, is carefully detailed in the written words of instruction found in the law itself.

This specificity of those details goes on for pages and pages (and pages!) in the Law of Moses, covering every possible situation. The priest then could follow these procedures exactingly. If Jesus’ ministry was only an earthly ministry, it would be a false one. The Levites already handled what was prescribed in the law at the place God chose for the priestly ministry of Israel.

Life application: If Jesus’ ministry is a valid one, as it is shown to be based on the explanation of the previous chapters, and if that ministry is not of this earth, then it must be a heavenly ministry. If the earthly ministry of the Levitical priesthood dealt with earthly things, then the heavenly ministry of Christ Jesus must deal with spiritual things. The earthly things are already handled by the Old Covenant, and they were ineffective for bringing man to a restored relationship with God. As this is so, and as the ministry of Christ is able to do this, then why (why on earth!) would anyone want to go back to a law which was incapable of restoring us to God. Think it through. What is earthly is 1) temporary, 2) ineffective, and 3) annulled in Christ. Stay far away from anyone who would ask you to return to precepts of such a failed system. Stand on the grace of Jesus Christ alone for your reconciliation to God the Father.

Heavenly Father, it is with thanks and gratitude that our sacrifice came not in the sacrificial system at an earthly sanctuary, and through the blood of bulls and goats. Instead, it came through the life of the precious Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus. We look to His glorious work and know that His greater ministry is sufficient to cover all our transgressions. Glory and honor to You! Amen.

Monday, 10 December 2018

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. Hebrews 8:3

For the next several verses, the author will again demonstrate the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old using impeccable logic. What he says here, beginning with this verse, is to clarify what has just been presented. The word “For” is given to show this. He is logically presenting another sure proof of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of Aaron.

He said in verse 8:1 that in Jesus we have a High Priest “who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” In verse 8:2, he then said that He is “a Minster of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”

The significance of this is that what was found in the Old Covenant here on earth was simply a type of what was to come in Christ. That will be stated explicitly in verse 8:5. But the fact is, whether type or not, there was an earthly tabernacle (and later temple) and there was a priesthood set up for it. As a descendant of Judah, and not of Levi through Aaron, Jesus could not minister in such an earthly sanctuary (see verses 7:13, 14).

As this is so, He would have nothing to offer at the earthly altar. As it says, “For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices.” It is the high priest, on behalf of the people, who make such offerings. Some are for atonement, some are for burnt offerings, some are as peace offerings, and so on.

However, the same must be true of the heavenly tabernacle. If the earthly tabernacle is ministered to by Aaron and his sons, and since there is a heavenly tabernacle, of which the earthly tabernacle is only a type, then there must be someone to minister at that heavenly edifice, and he must have something to offer. But Aaron cannot be the minister because no such appointment has been made for him to do so. Therefore, there must be One who is given that responsibility. As has already been seen, that appointment was for Christ Jesus, and it was based on an oath given in Psalm 110. With this understanding, the author then says, “Therefore.” He is saying, “based on what has been presented, then what I say next logically follows.”

From there, he says, “it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.” If there is a heavenly edifice, and if there is a High Priest who ministers at that, then He logically must also have something to offer because “every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices.”

Key to understanding this is what it says in verse 8:5. Though getting ahead in thought, if Moses said there is a “pattern” upon which the earthly things are fashioned, then the heavenly pattern is the substance of which the earthly is merely a type or shadow. As this is recorded in the writings of Moses, this must be the case. If the earthly required gifts and sacrifices, and if the earthly was fashioned after a pattern, then the heavenly must logically require both gifts and sacrifices. This then is the author’s explanation of verse 5:1 –

“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.”

From there, the exact nature of those gifts and sacrifices in the heavenly tabernacle will be described, in detail, in Chapter 9.

Life application: Key to understanding what the author is saying in Hebrews is to have an understanding of what he is referring to from the Old Testament. The author is not simply making things up as he goes. Rather, he is using the law itself to show us that the things of the law were actually ineffectual types that could not actually accomplish what they were laid out to do. They were shadows awaiting their fulfillment in the substance, which is found in Christ. To not read and study the books of Moses, and the rest of the Old Testament writings, leaves the believer in Christ with a vast void in actually being able to piece together what is being relayed for our understanding. The truly sad state of many believers is that they either do not progress in theology at all, or they get their theology not from the Bible itself, but from other’s commentaries on it. That is a scary place to be. Unless you know what the Bible already says, you are taking the word of someone, who may be utterly deficient in their theology, to make the most important decisions of all.

Lord God, we look back on the work of Jesus and are fully aware of the offering He gave on our behalf – His own precious life. May we never forget the awesome and yet terrible cost of our freedom from sin and the power of the devil. All glory to the name of Jesus! Amen.