A. WHY CHRIST HAS A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY THAN THE OLD TESTAMENT PRIESTS: HEBREWS 8:1-5
1. “He (Christ) ministers in the Heavenly Tabernacle” (v. 1). The true tabernacle in Heaven (v. 1).
2. The Old Testament priest only ministered in a human-built place not “the true place of worship … not built by human hands” (v. 2).
3. Christ’s ministry is far superior (v. 6) to any ministry offered by humans. King James uses word better.
B. THE OLD TESTAMENT PRIEST’S MINISTRY WAS TEMPORARY (v. 3) BUT JESUS’ MINISTRY IS ETERNAL
1. The Old Testament priest’s ministry was earthly (v. 4).
2. Christ's ministry is Heavenly (v. 4).
C. CHRIST IS A MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT (vv. 5-13)
1. Because the New Covenant was established on better promises “Jesus, our High Priest … established … a better covenant … better promises (v. 6).
a. Old Covenant had conditional promises. “If you will” (Exodus 19:5).
b. New Covenant has unconditional promises. God said, “I will.”
2. The Old Testament was faulty because the people were faulty. (v. 7).
3. Because God promised one better than He gave Moses (vv. 8-9).
a. God’s law was perfect, but the law could not save the sinner. It could only reveal God’s standards, or condemn any/all disobedience.
b. God’s law only shows God’s purity and that man is a sinner.
4. The New Covenant was written on the heart. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (v. 10).
a. Old Testament obeyed because of fear.
b. New Testament obeyed because of a new heart, an obedient heart.
5. The New covenant gives a new heart and a personal knowledge of God. “Everyone … will know Me” (v. 11).
a. Old covenant only allowed the priest to enter the holy of holies.
b. New Covenant allows the lowliest saint into the throne of grace.
6. The New covenant rests on Christ’s finished redemption, not on what man needs to do, or human effort.
a. Christ’s blood brings remission of sin.
b. Animal’s blood only covered sin.
7. The New Covenant annuls the Old Covenant. “ In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (v. 13).
a. Old looked forward to the new.
b. New was prophesied to replace old. “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (Jeremiah 31:33).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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