A better covenant.
Hebrews 7:18-28, For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
The law can do nothing to save us-- it can only show us how we fail. Formerly the sacrifices had to be offered up first for the mortal priest who was subject to the same failings; and being mortal he had to be replaced by others. Now we have a better covenant, with a perfect high priest who has given us the perfect sacrifice once and for all in His own blood. He has no need to offer up sacrifice for He is without blemish. And when we sin and fall short, and we turn to Him confessing our sins, He is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And even now He is there to make intercession for us! Are we taking every opportunity to turn to Him in our time of need?
We need You every hour as we struggle in our own imperfect flesh; we thank You that we can turn to You at any moment to receive forgiveness and cleansing!
ESV Lectionary
The law can do nothing to save us-- it can only show us how we fail. Formerly the sacrifices had to be offered up first for the mortal priest who was subject to the same failings; and being mortal he had to be replaced by others. Now we have a better covenant, with a perfect high priest who has given us the perfect sacrifice once and for all in His own blood. He has no need to offer up sacrifice for He is without blemish. And when we sin and fall short, and we turn to Him confessing our sins, He is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And even now He is there to make intercession for us! Are we taking every opportunity to turn to Him in our time of need?
We need You every hour as we struggle in our own imperfect flesh; we thank You that we can turn to You at any moment to receive forgiveness and cleansing!
ESV Lectionary
posted by BenLaws at 5:19 AM
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