In the book of Hebrews the first seven chapters deal with Christ and Him being superior to the prophets in Hebrews 1:1-3, and superior to the angels in Hebrews 1;4, 2:18. In Hebrew 3:1-5, superior to Moses, and superior to Aaron and his levitical priesthood in Hebrews 5:1-10, 7:1-28. When we come to chapter eight the focus is now on a new covenant. A new covenant in which Jesus has already been described as, the surety, the mediator, (one who intervenes). Remember what Jesus said in John 14:6. I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.(KJV)
The new covenant was described as a better covenant. Better in what way? In Hebrews 8 we learn the answer. Better than the first covenant, and better because of the promises contained in it. We need to take a look and see how the new covenant is better, especially with regard to its promises.
The first covenant was not faultless, otherwise there would be no need for a second covenant. The law made nothing perfect, and therefore annulled due to its weakness and unprofitableness, Hebrews 7:18-19. The people of the first covenant were also at fault. God found fault because they did not continue in His covenant, Jeremiah 11:7-10. For this reason He disregarded them, allowing them to be taken away by their enemies. God promised a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The new covenant has made the first obsolete. The death of Jesus rendered the sacrifices of the first covenant unnecessary.
So God promised a "new covenant", and Jesus is the mediator of this better covenant. Better because it was established on better promises. It will be inward and spiritual. In Hebrews 8:10, " I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts."(KJV) The first covenant had its laws written on tablets of stone, the new covenant is one that requires God's laws be written our hearts. We must plant God's word into our hearts, James 1:21. For only then can we truly be born again by the incorruptible seed, the word of God, I Peter 1:22-23. Christ entered the most holy place, which is heaven. Just as the high priest entered the most holy place in the earthly sanctuary, with these two major differences. Jesus took not the blood of goats and calves, but His own blood. Jesus entered once for all, not once a year. With His blood He obtained eternal redemption.
A testament, or will, requires the death of the one who makes it. It does not become of force until the testator dies. We need to understand that Jesus died for all, and we must also understand that the only way we will be able to make it to heaven is to be obedient to the word.
The old testament needs to be studied and taught, but we must not forget that God gave us a better way, His best (His Son), and we must give our best. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He told the Apostles to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matt. 28:19-20 (KJV)
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