Please bear in mind that the Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish converts to Christianity, many of whom were contemplating going back to Judaism (The Law) because of the persecution they were subjected to by those outside the Christian Faith.
Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.
Background to Chapter 8
In this chapter the writer again emphasizes the point of Jesus being the High Priest of a better covenant than the Law of Moses. He reiterates that Jesus is alive and is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on our (the Church's) behalf! Jesus has made the Law obsolete as He was the only one who could fulfill it in every way. No earthly priest could do that!
Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant
1 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
In verse 1 the writer starts of by telling us that the main point of the previous chapter is that Jesus is our (every born again Christian - the Church) High Priest forever! He is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven in a place that no earthly priest could ever attain.
In this verse too, God the Father is referred to as "the Majesty", majesty with a capital M!
Now the Greek word used for "Majesty" here is "megalósuné" (pronounced meg-al-o-soo'-nay) and it's meaning is divine greatness - being God the Father. This underscores Christ's supremacy both in heaven and on earth! Through Him and for Him all things were made! Jesus and the Father are one!
Verse 2 highlights the heavenly tent or tabernacle that God set up in heaven and that Jesus does not and did not serve as an earthly priest. He serves in the heavenly temple set up by God. The earthly tent that Moses set up was jut an earthly replica of the heavenly tabernacle
The work of the earthly priests was never finished as man continually sins. But with Jesus as our High Priest the work was finished at the cross as He was sinless and in Him alone we have our salvation and reconciliation with God! I and the Father are one.
3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.
In verse 3 we are told that every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices and thus it was necessary for Jesus to have something to offer. What Jesus had to offer was far greater than what any earthly priest could do and far more beneficial to man!
Jesus offered Himself up as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of mankind so that we can be reconciled to God. His sacrifice was a gift to us from the Father as Jesus gave himself up willingly and out of His pure love for us. Amen!
4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”
In verses 4 and 5 the writer tells us that Jesus' priesthood, unlike the Levitical priesthood, was not in accordance with the Law of Moses! The priesthood of the Law was only a shadow and copy of the heavenly Tabernacle and priesthood, which God revealed to Moses on Mt Sinai.
The heavenly priesthood is far superior to the earthly priesthood!
6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
In verses 6 and 7 the writer tells us that the New Covenant that Jesus provides is a much greater and more effective ministry than the Old Covenant (the Law) ever was as it is based on far superior promises.
The main promise being everlasting life in Christ Jesus who took the sins of the world upon Himself that when we repent of our sins and accept Him as Lord and Saviour, we are born again and will see the kingdom of God.
The Old Covenant being flawed could not provide salvation for man, only the New Covenant (being flawless) of life in Christ Jesus saves mankind! Jesus is the only name by which man can be saved.
8 For he finds fault with them when he says:
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not continue in my covenant,
and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more.”
In verses 8-12 the writer explains, by quoting a prophecy from Jeremiah 31:31-34, wherein the Lord says He will replace the old covenant with a new one and He also makes a number of personal promises in these passages.These are:
- I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.
- I will be their God and they shall be my people.
- Everybody will know Him personally.
- He will be merciful.
- He will remember their sins no more.
This is the New Covenant of repentance of sins and acceptance of Christ as Lord and Saviour. Faith in Christ Jesus and in Him alone!
13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
In verse 13 the writer tells the Hebrews who are thinking of returning to the Law that Christ Jesus has made the Old Covenant obsolete and useless and no longer valid. Salvation can only be found in Christ Jesus who fulfilled the Law in every way! Without Jesus there is nothing to go back to!
Jesus himself tell us this:
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus and keep me from developing a sinful, rebellious heart of unbelief and help me to come before you in humility. Help me Lord ro immerse myself in your Word and wall on the path to spiritual maturity so that I can be a blessing to others and glorify the name of Jesus. Help me in my unbelief I pray!. Amen.
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed - the Bible is not!
