The Covenant That Changes Everything

(A Blog on Hebrews 8:7-13)

There have been seasons in my Christian walk when I struggled with confidence in my relationship with God.

At times, I even wrestled with the assurance of my salvation. These are not uncommon experiences; they’re part of the journey for many believers.

However, rather than being setbacks, these moments can serve as opportunities to deepen our understanding of biblical truth.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I often emphasize the value of consistent devotional habits. These simple, steady practices lay the foundation that allows us to go deeper. It’s that consistency over time that gives us the clarity, strength, and spiritual stability needed to explore richer truths in God’s Word.

Today, let’s take that deeper step together as we delve into the powerful truths found in Hebrews 8.

First, when reading the Book of Hebrews, it's essential to consider the audience's ancestry. This letter was written to a congregation of Greek-speaking Jews with a rich heritage dating back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their religious traditions informed every part of their lives, shaping how they worked, raised their children, and worshipped. Considering their ancestry, we can understand why some of the teachings about Jesus would have been difficult to adopt.

One tradition that hindered these believers from pressing on to maturity in Jesus was the issue of covenants. In the Old Testament, the word "covenant" is translated from the Hebrew word "berith" (בְּרִית). A covenant is a solemn agreement, treaty, or bond between two parties, often sealed with a sign, oath, or sacrifice.

God made a series of covenants with their ancestors, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. These covenants were their lifeline to God; in these covenants, God promised to protect them from their enemies, give them the promised land as an inheritance, and secure their salvation. 

However, there was one significant problem with the Old Testament Covenants. For centuries, the people of Israel were guided by a series of covenants with God, each of which pointed toward something greater.

In Hebrews 7:22, the author declares that Jesus is the “guarantee of a better covenant.”

But what does that mean? How is this New Covenant better?

In today’s study, we’ll explore why the covenant in Christ is far superior to the Old Covenant and how it affects our relationship with God.

Professor N. T. Wright makes an important point:

“Jesus didn’t abolish the covenant; he fulfilled it. He didn’t discard the Law; he embodied it. In him, all the promises of God find their ‘Yes.’”— N.T. Wright, The Day the Revolution Began

The writer of Hebrews highlights timeless truths that can strengthen our confidence and deepen our understanding of the riches we have in Christ.

But here is a question to consider:

Why do you think it was difficult for these Greek-speaking Jews to be fully persuaded of the superiority of Christ? In what ways can one's ancestry or upbringing be a hindrance to one's faith? 

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THREE Ways the Covenant is Christ is Better for ALL Believers

#1: The New Covenant is better because it is based on a Superior Tabernacle.

"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, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." – Hebrews 8:1-2 

Under the Old Covenant, the people of Israel worshiped in a physical Tabernacle or temple, where they could meet with God through a priest. However, these were earthly structures built by human hands, and they served as temporary meeting places. The New Covenant, however, is based on the heavenly Tabernacle, where Jesus Himself ministers on our behalf.

#2: The New Covenant is better because it is established on Superior Promises.

Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

While significant, the Old Covenant was never intended to last forever. It served as a temporary guide, reminding the people of their sin and pointing toward the need for a Savior. Under the New Covenant, we receive the promise of eternal salvation and direct access to God through Christ.

While the Old Covenant had blessings for obedience, the New Covenant promises eternal life and complete forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Christ.

#3: The New Covenant is better because it is a Covenant for All People

Hebrews 8:11-12  “And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, And everyone his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ For all will know Me, From the least to the greatest of them. 12 “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their sins no more.”

The Old Covenant was given specifically to the people of Israel, but the New Covenant is for everyone—Jews and Gentiles alike. In Christ, all who believe are welcomed into this covenant relationship, regardless of their background or ancestry.

Galatians 3:28-29 – "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Charles Spurgeon said,

"The covenant of grace is not for one race of people, but for all who have faith in Christ. The same blood that washes a Jew clean of sin will cleanse a Gentile as well. In Christ, there is no more separation." – Charles Spurgeon

The New Covenant, guaranteed by Jesus, is superior to all that came before it. It is based on a heavenly Tabernacle, established on better promises, and extends to everyone. These are just a few reasons we can have complete confidence in our relationship with God and press forward in our faith.  As we live under this New Covenant, let’s hold fast to the promises of God and walk confidently in the new life He has given us.

Until next time, stay strong in the Lord!

Pastor Bob

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About Pastor Bob Moya, DMin.

Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 24+ years. He recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership in the spring of 2024. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee from Starbucks, or spending time with his family.