December 14, 2005
Read Hebrews 8
In Today's
The New Covenant; the perfect sacrifice of Christ compared to temporary sacrifices under the Law; an appeal to remain faithful
The Tabernacle and worship system for
The Holy Spirit led the writer of Hebrews to point out that the Old Covenant had looked forward to a greater and more perfect Tabernacle (9:10-11). The words more perfect Tabernacle may also refer to the bodily manifestation of God the Son, since the Tabernacle, as well as its contents and sacrificial system, symbolized Christ, His life and His death. Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (9:11-12).
This new Covenant is based upon an inner, spiritual change that Jesus called being born of water and of the Spirit and is essential to enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).
Under the Old Covenant (Testament) worship system, the blood of goats and calves (Hebrews 9:12,19), which were innocent, flawless animals, was sacrificed daily for worshipers' sins. Every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins (10:11). But the perfect, sinless Christ is God who became Man that He might die once for all on the cross to atone for our sins. Then He entered not an earthly Holy of Holies, for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (9:24).
It is of utmost importance that we realize what it means when we believe we are a Christian. The confession of our faith is a public acknowledgment that we have renounced the world and its lusts to remain loyal to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to have eternal life. Many of us are deceived and have foolishly chosen position, pleasure, and popularity, having forsaken the Church, their tithes, and the Lord's Supper and living like the world.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (encourage) unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching For if we sin wilfully . . . there remaineth . . . a certain fearful looking for of judgment (10:23-27).
Cross References:
For Hebrews 8:5: See Exodus 25:40. Hebrews 8:8-12: See Jeremiah 31:31-34. Hebrews 9:20-21: See Exodus 24:8. Hebrews 10:5-7: See Psalm 40:6-8. Hebrews 10:12-13: See Psalm 110:1. Hebrews 10:16-17: See Jeremiah 31:33-34 Hebrews 10:30: See Deuteronomy 32:35-36. Hebrews 10:37-38: See Habakkuk 2:3-4.
Word Studies:
9:2 candlestick = lampstand; 10:33 gazingstock = object of public ridicule; 10:36 patience = steadfast endurance, trust; 10:39 perdition = eternal destruction, damnation.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs Allen Lee Stoltzfus · Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America · Major languages: English and Spanish · Religious freedom · 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Ask God for daily direction (Psalm 48:14).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:23