Peter Barnes: A Better Covenant, Hebrews 8:6; 10:11-18 (Sunday 31 May 2020 Evening Service, 6.00 p.m.)
The author draws on Psalm 110 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
1. We have better promises. – Heb.8:6, 8-12. There is the promise of a renewed heart, of personal knowledge of Christ, and of the complete forgiveness of sins.
2. We have a better priest. (a) Christ was installed with an oath – Heb.7:20-22; Psalm 110:4. (b) Christ lives forever – Heb.7:23-25. (c) Christ is sinless – Heb.7:26-28. Contrast to Aaron (Ex.32), Eli’s sons (1 Sam.2:12, 22). And so it goes on: Jer.6:13-14; 23:11; Micah 3:11; Amos 7:10-13; Neh.13:28-29.
3. We have a better sacrifice. (a) Christ’s sacrifice is once for all. Hebrews 10:11-12, 14, 18. Christ offered the single sacrifice of Himself because He as priest is perfect, and His sacrifice is perfect. It is all-sufficient. (b) Christ sits to show His victory. Heb.11:13. Contrast to Deut.10:5. (c) Christ achieves His purpose. Heb.10:1-4, 11-12, 14, 18. Islam celebrates what it calls the ‘momentous or great sacrifice’ of Abraham at Mecca with every pilgrimage (hajj). Even Buddhism, which has no real notion of sacrifice, has repeated Water Festivals for cleansing.
In Hebrews 10:15-17 the Holy Spirit speaks in the present tense, to us today: ‘Christians have a better covenant with better promises, a better priest, and a better sacrifice. Our only hope is the all-sufficient, once for all perfect sacrifice of the perfect Christ. We have no other, and we need no other.’
Watch the service below.