NOW OF the things which we have spoken this is the sum” (Hebrews 8:1). It was not the sum as pertaining to the total or the end. It could be considered, though, as the summation of the evidence to show that Jesus, called of God, was the “Apostle and High Priest of our profession,” for the word “sum” means “point” (R.S.V.). We think that Benjamin Wilson in the “Emphatic Diaglott” wrote in the most explanatory way to describe what Paul had written. “The chief thing, however, among those we are discussing is that we have such a High-priest.”
It is interesting as one studies the
progressiveness of Hebrews to see the psychological approach used by Paul. As noted earlier in
our writing, he began with God. This was a common bond for understanding. Then he brought Jesus into the writing; but on a basis of comparison to
Moses, the angels, and others. After establishing firmly that Jesus was not only equal to the others mentioned,
but was far superior, Paul now was writing, “It is so.” “We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand
of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (vs. 1).
The description for “such a high priest” is
found in chapter seven: “A minister
of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle” (vs. 2). This, of course, brought to mind the tabernacle in the
wilderness. It was built by man’s hands according to the word of the Lord received in Mount Sinai. But the “tabernacle”
now being referred to is the church, the “body of the Messiah.” In Ephesians 2:21, Paul wrote of
the congregation: “In whom all the building fitly framed together growen unto a holy temple in the Lord.” This
is the first of many references to the priestly order and tabernacle worship that will be found through chapter
ten. The Hebrew brethren well knew that Jesus was not acting as a high priest in the temple or in a synagogue. The
tabernacle, “the called-out ones in the
Messiah,” was true, and established by Yehovah - God.
Again, the place of Jesus in the plan of God as
High Priest was compared to
Moses. (v. 5.) Again, Jesus is shown to have been given a more superior position: “Now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry” (v. 6). He not only was given “a more excellent ministry,” but was (or is to be) the “mediator of a better covenant” (vs. 6).
The great plan of God was to be unfolded before
them by a more thorough
study of the priesthood, tabernacle, offerings, and the religious life of Israel as compared to Jesus. “It is of
necessity that this man has somewhat also to offer” (vs. 3). Jesus did have something to offer. He offered up
himself (7:27), but he had
much more. He was the way of salvation for the world. He was the sin-offering sacrifice for sin. (See Hebrews 7:27.) He was the sin- offering sacrifice for
Israel’s sins and ours. Jesus was to bring about (mediate) a “better covenant, which was established upon better promises”
(vs. 6). What was the old covenant? It was the law and ordinances and the ritual of adhering to these things for atonement.
The new covenant quoted in verses 8-12 is a
direct quotation from the
covenant found in Jeremiah 31:31-34. This covenant is for the “house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (vs. 8). It is thus also for the called-out Assembly of God, whose membrs have been grafted into the Israel of God. Israel was looking for the coming of a Messiah. They were looking for redemption. This covenant was one of many promises that had been made to the patriarchs and prophets.
The new covenant is found in the Book of Hebrews, a book of the New Testament, and we can apply it to the called-out Assembly of God, whose members have been grafted into the Israel of God.
Why, then, at this time, did Paul bring in this
covenant? What did it have to do with the Hebrews’ Christianity? The Hebrews knew of
the “promises.” They had implicit faith in God that He would fulfill them as given. What they did not realize was that
all “promises” were to be fulfilled through the Messiah Jesus. Yes, the Hebrews believed in a better hope for
Israel. They believed in the atonement of sins through the blood of sacrifices. What they had not learned yet was that the blood of the “Lamb of God” was the atoning blood for every and all sin; even Israel’s and that his shed blood ratified the new covenant.
God has promised Israel a better life. It is yet to be fulfilled and it will be brought about by Jesus, who will “rule over the house of Jacob forever.” If Jesus had not died and His blood been shed, there could not have been a ratification of this covenant. Notice in verse 12: “Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” The covenant (vv. 8-12) has everything to do with the high calling in the Messiah Jesus. It has everything to do with the elect ones both Jews and Gentiles being grafted into the Israel of God.
Brethren and friends, it is the “mediator of
the better covenant” that we should want to know. Through him, God will bring to pass
all things. Through him is eternal life. Are you a part of the true tabernacle over which he is the Minister?
Written by Francis E. Burnett and
edited and added to by Bruce Lyon
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