From the diary of a
faithful scribbler, we now have a glimpse of the supremacy of Jesus. He is
superior to prophets; angels; Moses, Melchizedek and Levitical priests. In this
chapter the author moves from his discourse of the priesthood of Jesus after
the order of Melchizedek to emphasize that Christ’s priesthood ministry far
surpasses that of the Levitical priests. Remember, one of Satan’s aims is to
diminish the supremacy and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ but as we grow in
grace and the knowledge of God, we are able to stand against his wiles.
The author begins
the Christology of Hebrews 8 by stating the principle point “We have such a
high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the Majesty in the
heavens” (8:1); having accomplished His work of purification of sins (1:3).
Jesus Priesthood
is Superior Because:
1. He
serves from a position of finished work and of authority, v. 1a.
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The right hand of the throne is a place
of honor, power, and exaltation and it is the dwelling place of God.
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The sitting posture points to the
finished work, John 19:28-30. From the cross Jesus cried, “It is finished!”
2. He
serves in a true tabernacle set up by the LORD Himself, v. 2.
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In Ex. 25:1-8, God asked Israelites for specified
offerings to build Him a dwelling place according to His specifications and
furnishings. “… Have them make
a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them,” v. According
to Rev 21:3, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with
them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their
God.”
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The true tabernacle is the reality and
very presence of God in heaven. “Sanctuary” refers to the Holy of Holies within
the tabernacle.
3. He
offered a superior sacrifice, Himself, v. 3. In Ch. 5:1, we see that the high
priests offered both gifts and sacrifices. Thus it was necessary for this high
priest (Jesus) to have something to offer. In CH.7:27, Jesus offered Himself
once for all.
4. The
ministry Jesus has received is as superior to that of other Levitical priests, Ch.
8:4-6a. Christ’s priesthood is the central
message of Hebrews, upon which our confidence rests. His priesthood is the
reason: We should have confidence that He
can deal with us mercifully and faithfully, (Ch. 2:17); hold fast to our faith
(4:14); have assurance that Jesus is able to meaningfully empathize with us, (Ch.
4:15); approach God’s throne room with confidence, (Ch. 4: 16); have assurance
that He is able to completely save those who come to God through Him and truly
meet their needs, (Ch. 7:25-26).
5. He
represents a superior covenant, established on better promises, v. 6b. The author
here tells us that the reason for replacing the old covenant was that it was not
adequate, it was weak and unable to bring men to God, (Rom 7:10).
The Superiority of
the New Covenant, (Ch. 8:8-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34)
1. It
originates with God, Heb. 8:8. It’s God who lays down the terms.
2. It’s
not just new and/or enhanced, v.9. There is something substantially different
about this New Covenant:
a. New
Covenant consists of conversion from within, not regulation through external
law, v. 9b. The Israelites were unable to remain faithful. The weakness was not
in the Old covenant itself but man. So, in this new covenant God Himself would
write His law in the minds and hearts, v. 10.
b. The
New Covenant also consists of a close relationship with God, v.10.
c. The
New Covenant consists of a greater personal and intimate knowledge of God, v. 11.
Knowledge of God will no longer be confined to the lucky few.
d. The
New Covenant consists of a true, complete forgiveness and cleansing from sin,
different and better than the mere “covering over” of sin in the Old Covenant,
v. 12. Sin has been completely and finally dealt with.
The implication
of a New Covenant, v. 13
Now that the New
Covenant has been installed, the Old Covenant is thereby superseded. The perfect
has come in Christ. This will further be discoursed in the next chapter.
Application
Two years ago, I
convinced my boss to take a WIBA and EL insurance policy with a certain
insurance provider. As I signed the documents, I got curious about a certain
clause, I asked the insurer for clarity of which he explained but somehow I was
skeptical. Fast forward, months later, we had a claim and I forwarded it to the
insurer who declined to take up the matter apparently because of that clause. Soon,
I informed my boss and he advised me to terminate the cover with immediate
effect. For those who are new to
insurance or may already have insurance policy in hand, you agree with me, it
is important to know and understand the benefits/terms in order to ensure the
policy meets your needs and your legitimate claims are sorted. Many Christians
are ignorant of the great benefits that they enjoy in Jesus Christ. It is
time to know what the New Covenant means for you.
Yours faithful
scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
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