May 21, 2024 -- Hebrews 6:6-7 -- The Better Covenant Given Us in Jesus

 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

Hebrews 8:6-7 ESV

So what is new about the Covenant Jesus brings in? Understand the first covenant, the covenant of works, required people to keep every aspect of the Law. It is impossible. When Jesus, the sinless one, walked this earth as our representative, He was perfect, without sin. Therefore He is the Covenant-Keeper Who can die in our place as the one, true acceptable sacrifice. Why is Jesus’ covenant more excellent?

Believers in Jesus are given the Holy Spirit, so that our heart’s affection for Jesus leads to better obedience.

Believers in Jesus are a new people. We are joined together by the Holy Spirit as one people. So from every part of the globe, across denominational lines, there is a unity that is ours and it is found in our love for and obedience to Jesus.

Believers in Jesus Christ have Him as their ultimate, true High Priest. He lives to pray for us (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25).

The clear implication is that we who are in Christ Jesus, continue to sin. We are learning to hate our sin more and more. We struggle against it. We turn to Jesus, confessing our sin, repenting of it, and in Him we are given the Holy Spirit so that sin is vanquished. That is a life-long process. Thanks be to God, He is all-powerful, He is all-wise and He is good. What He starts in us He will complete.

Grant to us, O heavenly Father, Your peace that passes understanding, that we, amid the storms and troubles of this our life, may rest in You, knowing that all things are in You, under Your care, governed by Your will, guarded by Your love; so that with a quiet heart we may face the storms of life, the clouds and thick darkness; ever rejoicing to know that the darkness and the light are both alike to You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Divine Service Book for The Armed Forces, 1950, page 30

https://youtu.be/KqrqPGt11bA?si=C-l2nd2alDoceWGo Casting Crowns “Glorious Day”