READ: Heb. 8:1-13: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens … For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel … I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
The glorious High Priesthood of Christ inaugurates a new covenant for God’s people. After His ascension, He is no longer active on earth but in the true sanctuary with God, reconciling us to God based on His one sacrifice on the cross. What took place in the Old Testament in the tabernacle and temple as priestly service was only a foreshadowing. Now that Christ has accomplished reconciliation, a new covenant has come into effect.
This renewal was necessary because the people did not keep God’s covenant due to their sins (v.9). Therefore, God withdrew from them. But now, based on Christ’s atoning sacrifice, God brings about a change. A new covenant with better promises is established.
The writer refers to the prophecy of Jeremiah 31. What is written there became a reality at Pentecost. The Spirit of Christ helps us understand and accept God’s Word so that it dwells and works within us. Through His work with the Word, this Word begins to govern and rule over us as believers.
We are renewed: the old self is put off, and the new self arises. We begin to live according to God’s Word. This is the meaning of “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts” (v.10).
Through Christ, a heartfelt covenant relationship with God is established. He becomes our God in His love, grace, faithfulness, and care. And we have the privilege of being His children, showing Him our reciprocal love and serving and honoring Him according to His Word.
There will be no need for an earthly priest as a mediator. No, through God’s Word and Spirit, we will all be able to know God personally: to love Him and obey Him. This can only happen as our sins are continually forgiven by grace in Christ (v.12).
Will there be an end to the new covenant?
Singing: Ps. 51:4