Hebrews 8:1-13: 1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have
such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
heavens; 2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord
pitched, and not man. 3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:
wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4For if he were
on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts
according to the law: 5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,
as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for,
See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the
mount. 6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he
is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7For
if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for
the second. 8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the
Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house
of Judah: 9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day
when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they
continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10For this is
the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord;
I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them
a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach every man his
neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me,
from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and
their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13In that he saith, A new
covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is
ready to vanish away.
Introduction:
In Chapter 7, the writer presented the fact and proof that the Priesthood of Jesus Christ is superior to that of the Levitical order. But is there anything that can minimize this superiority? NOTHING! For He ministers on the basis of a better covenant (Chapter 8), in a better sanctuary (Chapter 9), and with a better sacrifice (Chapter 10). It is the better covenant that is the theme of this chapter. The writer presented three evidences for the superiority of this covenant.
IT IS MINISTERED BY A SUPERIOR HIGH PRIEST
First, the writer shows the superiority of Christ, and then says, "Since Jesus is superior, the covenant He ministers must be a superior covenant." This is not reasoning in a circle; for the conclusion is logical. A superior Priest could never minister on the basis of an inferior covenant. To change the illustration, the most gifted lawyer can do very little if the will he is probating is inadequate. It is unthinkable that our Lord would minister on the basis of an inferior "last will and testament."
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The reference of the opening statement in Verse 1 is not to the things just discussed but to the matters to be considered. The word "sum" is the translation of the Greek word "kephalaion" which means
"the chief point." It does not refer to the "sum" of what precedes but to the main point of that which follows.
His moral Adequacy. Verse lb, "We have such an high priest..." This statement refers us back to Hebrews 7:2-28. Verse 26, "For such an high priest became us (was suited to us)...." The fact that Jesus Christ is morally perfect and yet identified with us in our needs and temptations makes Him superior to any other priest, past or present. Those of his readers who wanted to go back into the Old Testament priesthood would have to leave this suitable High Priest.
His finished work. Verse lc, ".. .Who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
heavens." Today our Lord is seated because His work is completed. There were no chairs in the Old Testament tabernacle because the work of the priests was never finished. The blood of animals did not wash away sins nor cleanse the guilty conscience. It only covered sin until that day when Jesus died to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
John 1:29: The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
His enthronement (Verse lc). Jesus Christ is not just seated. It is where He is seated that adds glory to His person and work. He is seated on the throne in heaven at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2). This enthronement was the fulfillment of the Father's promise to the Son. Psalm 110:1, "Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool." Not only did the high priest of Israel never sit down, but he never sat down on a throne. Only a priest "after the order of Melchisedec" could be enthroned, because Melchisedec was both king and priest (Chapter 7:1). He is now exalted as high as anyone could be (Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:5-11). Thus, the presence of a superior High Priest in heaven demands a superior covenant if He is to minister effective to God's people.
Hebrews 1:3: Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself
purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Hebrews 10:12: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat
down on the right hand of God;
Hebrews 12:2: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the
joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at
the right hand of the throne of God.
Ephesians 1:20-23: 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality,
and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and
gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness
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of him that filleth all in all.
Philippians 2:5-11: 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made
himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in
the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath
highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
IT IS MINISTERED IN A BETTER PLACE
Verse 2-5: 2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord
pitched, and not man. 3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:
wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4For if he were
on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts
according to the law: 5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,
as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for,
See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the
mount.
The tabernacle. Verse 2: 2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord
pitched, and not man.
Jesus Christ is a "minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man." This tabernacle in which He ministers is in Heaven. It is the true one of which the earthly tabernacle is a copy. The Lord made the tabernacle in which Jesus serves. Mankind had nothing to do with it.
The duties of the High Priest. Verse 3, 4: 3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and
sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4For if he were on
earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
A priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. Therefore, the Messiah as High Priest must have gifts and a sacrifice to offer also and a sanctuary in which to offer them.
Since the Messiah was not a priest in the order of Aaron, He could not serve on earth. The Levitical order of priesthood was established by the law. Therefore, He would not be a priest on earth. We have seen this truth before in Chapter 7:1-15. Jesus is from the tribe of Judah, the kingly tribe, but the priests came from the tribe of Levi. Therefore, if Jesus Christ were still on earth, He could not function as priest. Since this is true, he must be a High Priest in heaven, because His is after the order of Melchisedec and not of the order of Aaron.
The type. Verse 5: 5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was
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admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all
things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
A "type" is an Old Testament picture of a New Testament "truth." Each type is identified as such in the New Testament. Therefore, we must not try to may every Old Testament person, thing, or event into a type. (Greek tupos—type or pattern) The word "example" is the translation of the Greek word
"hupodeigma" which refers to a sign suggestive of anything, an outline, a delineation, a suggestion, a copy. The priests then serving in the temple were actually serving in a sanctuary that was a copy (example) of the heavenly sanctuary. The word "shadow' is the translation of the Greek word "skia"
which is an imperfect portrayal or representation of a thing, of a reality which it does not embody. A shadow has no substance in itself. It is merely proof of the fact that there was a real one, the heavenly one where God Himself dwells, where Jesus Christ ministers as the High Priest. The quotation is from Exodus 25:40, where it refers to the heavenly sanctuary. (See also Exodus 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4).
Moses saw this pattern on the Mount Sinai and duplicated its essentials in the earthly tabernacle. The Old Testament system was but shadows (See Colossians 2:10-17). The Law had but a "shadow of
good things to come" (Hebrews 10:1). The true and full light came in Jesus Christ. So why would anyone want to go back into the shadows?
Exodus 25:40: And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed
thee in the mount.
Exodus 26:30: And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof
which was shewed thee in the mount.
Exodus 27:8: Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the
mount, so shall they make it.
Numbers 8:4: And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft
thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which
the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.
IT IS FOUNDED ON BETTER PROMISES
Verses 6-13: 6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much
also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better
promises. 7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have
been sought for the second. 8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days
come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and
with the house of Judah: 9Not according to the covenant that I made with their
fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,
saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and
I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach
every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all
shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their
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unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13In
that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth
and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
The promise of God's grace (Verses 6-9). The emphasis of the New Covenant is on God's "I will."
The nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai said, "All the words which the Lord hath said will we do" (Exodus 24:3). But they did not obey God's Words. It is one thing to say, "We will" and quite another thing to do it. But the New Covenant does not depend on man's faithfulness to God but on God's faithful promise to man. God led Israel out of Egypt the way a father would take a child by the hand and lead him. God gave Israel His holy Law for their own good, to separate them from the other nations, and to protect them from the sinful practices of the heathen. But the nation failed. "They continued not
in My covenant" (verse 9). Romans 7:12, "Wherefore, the Law is holy, and the Commandment
holy, and just and good." The problem is not with the Law, but with our sinful nature because by ourselves we cannot keep God's Law. The Law "made nothing perfect" (Hebrews 7:19), because it could not change any human heart.
The New Covenant is wholly of God's grace. No sinner can become a part of this New Covenant without faith in Jesus Christ.
The promise of internal change (Verse 10).
The Law of Moses could declare God's holy standard, but it could never produce the power needed for obedience. Sinful people need a new heart and a new disposition within. This is just what the New Covenant provides. (Ezekiel 36:26-27). When a sinner trusts Christ, he receives a divine nature within (2 Peter 1:1-4), and is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new nature creates a desire to love and obey God. By nature, sinful people are hateful and disobedient (Titus 3:3-7).
But the new nature gives each believer both the desire and the power for a godly life.
Ezekiel 36:26, 27: 26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put
within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give
you an heart of flesh. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to
walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
2 Peter 1:1-4: 1Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that
have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the
knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3According as his divine power hath
given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given
unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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Titus 3:3-7: 3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient,
deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful,
and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our
Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
It is unfortunate that many Christians think they are saved by grace but then must live their Christian life according to the Old Testament Law. They want the New Covenant for salvation but the Old Testament for sanctification. The Apostle Paul had a phrase to describe this condition: "fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4). Not "fallen from salvation," but fallen from the sphere of God's blessing through grace. We do not become holy people by trying to obey God's Law in our own power. It is by yielding to the Holy Spirit within that we fulfill the righteousness of the Law (Romans 8:1-4), and this is wholly of grace.
Romans 8:1-4: 1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending
his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit.
The promise of forgiveness for all (Verses 11, 12).
There is no forgiveness under the Law, because the Law was not given for that purpose. Romans 3:20, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the
Law is the knowledge of sin." SEE Galatians 2:15, 16. The Law could not promise forgiveness to Israel, let alone to all mankind. It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that forgiveness is possible to all who call upon Him (Hebrews 10:1-3, 16-18).
Galatians 2:15, 16: 15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the
Gentiles, 16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by
the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might
be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the
works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Hebrews 10:1-3, 16-18: 1For the law having a shadow of good things to come,
and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they
offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2For then
would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once
purged should have had no more conscience of sins.3But in those sacrifices
there is a remembrance again made of sins every year…. 16This is the covenant
that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws
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into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and
iniquities will I remember no more. 18Now where remission of these is, there is
no more offering for sin.
Hebrews 8:11 is a quotation from Jeremiah 31:31-34. It refers to that day when Israel shall be reunited with Judah (Verse 8), and shall rejoice in the promised Kingdom (Jeremiah 31:1-14). In that day, there will be no need to share the Gospel with others because everyone will know the Lord personally.
Jeremiah 31:31-34: 31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a
new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32Not
according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them
by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake,
although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33But this shall be the
covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD,
I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their
God, and they shall be my people. 34And they shall teach no more every man his
neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all
know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I
will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Jeremiah 31:1-14: 1At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the
families of Israel, and they shall be my people. 2Thus saith the LORD, The people
which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I
went to cause him to rest. 3The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,
I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I
drawn thee. 4Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel:
thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of
them that make merry. 5Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria:
the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things. 6For there shall be
a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us
go up to Zion unto the LORD our God. 7For thus saith the LORD; Sing with
gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise
ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. 8Behold, I will bring
them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and
with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth
with child together: a great company shall return thither. 9They shall come with
weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the
rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father
to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. 10Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations,
and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him,
and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. 11For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob,
and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. 12Therefore
they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the
goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of
the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they
shall not sorrow any more at all. 13Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both
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young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will
comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. 14And I will satiate the
soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness,
saith the LORD.
What does it mean that remembers our sins and iniquities no more (Verse l2)? The phrase "remember no more" means "hold against us no more." God recalls what we have done, but He does not hold it against us. He deals on the basis of grace and mercy, not law and merit. Once sin has been forgiven, it is never brought before us again. The matter is settled eternally.
The promise of eternal blessing (Verse l3)
The new covenant brings eternal blessing. Jesus Christ is the Author of eternal salvation (Chapter 5:9), and eternal redemption (Chapter 9:12). The New Covenant has permanently antiquated the first or the Old Covenant, and it is of such quality that it will not need to be replaced CONCLUSION
We have a Superior High Priest, who is Jesus Christ. He ministers in a better place, the heavenly tabernacle.
We have a better covenant, the covenant of grace.
Believers are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and are given eternal life.
Do you have this life? Are you living for Him?
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