Hebrews 8:1-13
Q.1. How did the earthly sanctuary relate to the Heavenly one? From where does Jesus exercise His Priesthood? (Heb.8:1-5)
Moses had been commanded by God to carefully follow the directions for the building of the earthly Tabernacle and the establishment of the Priesthood, since it was a copy of the Heavenly one. Christ’s function is in a totally other realm – Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens (Heb.8:1).
Q.2. How did the writer prove that the Old Covenant was inadequate? What does the New Covenant promise that is so much better? (Heb.8:6-13)
The writer argued that the Old Covenant was flawed – for if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second … when He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear (Heb.8:7 & 13). The New Covenant purchased by the blood of Christ, surpasses the old because it is a Covenant that will change the heart of men – … I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people (Heb.8:10). This covenant is unbreakable. In it God promised – For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more (Heb. 8:12). Believers have entered into an amazing Covenant through faith in Christ. However, we must never forget that the Gospel was first offered to Israel, and that God will visit her (Mt.15:24; Acts 1:8; Rom.11:1-27; Zech.12:10-13:1). The promises were first given to Israel.