One of the most important themes of the New Testament is that of the New Covenant that is inaugurated by Jesus. As we briefly discussed last week, the concept of covenant was deeply ingrained in Jewish thinking and theology. God had formerly established a number of covenants with his people that formed the foundation of their understanding of God's redeeming work and their part in it.
In simple terms, a covenant, much like a modern contract, is a binding agreement between two parties. However, covenants function differently than contracts do today. First, covenants are binding until the terms are completely fulfilled or death, whichever comes first. This is why we refer to Christian marriage as a covenant, and we commit to the marriage "until death do us part." Second, the stakes of covenantal promises are typically higher than those of a contract. With modern contracts, if I have a good enough lawyer, I can often find a loophole somewhere that allows me a way out of living up to the agreement. This is not so with a covenant. In ancient times, to break the terms of a covenant often brought harsh consequences, perhaps even death. This is why covenants were often ratified in blood through the sacrifice of animals. This was a sign to both parties that should the terms of the covenant be broken, may my life be like these animals.
With this understanding of covenants in mind, it is easier to understand why God and his people placed such an emphasis on the covenantal promises that existed between them. For God to covenant with his people served as a sure sign that his promises would come to pass. While the people proved to be consistent covenant breakers, there could never be any doubt in God's faithfulness to fulfill his word.
With this in mind, we turn our attention to the new covenant. Inaugurating a "new" covenant by necessity means that an "old" covenant is no longer in place. But as we already discussed, covenant promises are binding until completion or death. Therefore, for Christ to institute a new covenant with his people, the former covenantal promises must be fulfilled completely. In other words, Jesus is claiming that all of God's former promises were meant to point to and find their fulfillment in him. Paul makes this very point in Galatians chapter 3 when he is arguing that it is by faith in Christ's finished work, and not by works of the law by which we are saved.
This claim by Jesus was shocking and even offensive to many who heard it, but it shouldn't have been. As the author of Hebrews argues in this week's scripture, God had already told his people, through the prophet Jeremiah, of his intentions to institute a new covenant with his people. Moreover this new covenant is a one-way or unconditional covenant in which God alone will work to see that it is fulfilled.
The New Covenant is the foundation of the hope that Christians enjoy. Jesus ratified this covenant by the shedding of his own blood. It is by his blood that we are made righteous, holy, and perfect before God. Through this alien righteousness that lies outside of ourselves and our own works, we are guaranteed a future inheritance in God's eternal kingdom. This is a tremendous source of hope and confidence.
Moreover, we are free, both from the bondage of sin and death, and from the crushing weight of the law. We are given a new heart, new mind, and new spirit in Christ; so that it is no longer us who live, but Christ who lives in us (Galatians 2:20). This is gloriously good news and it is all ours through the New Covenant. It is no wonder why the New Testament authors spend so much time and energy exhorting believers on the realities of this new covenant. It is truly the foundation of the entire Christian life.
In Grace,
Chris Morris
If you missed this week's sermon (or just want to listen again), follow the link below to listen. Or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes.
Part 19 - Here's The Point
Questions discussed in this sermon:
1. How does the Levitical priesthood point us to Jesus?
2. How does the author of Hebrews want us to understand God's love for us?
3. Why the book of Hebrews have so many Old Testament quotes?
Next week's lesson: Hebrews 9:1-14
Write a Comment
Comments for this post have been disabled.