the Third Week after Easter
Click here to join the effort!
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Hebrews 8:1-13
The old Sinai covenant was broken in former times through the sin of Israel. A new covenant, foretold in Jeremiah 31:31 is to be made with this people. Proof having been given that man is incapable of keeping an agreement with God, this new covenant will no longer impose on man any condition that he must adhere to (Romans 11:27). Its sole basis will be the blood of Christ, called the "blood of the new testament" (Matthew 26:28). Four things characterise it:1. The Lord’s commands will be written on men’s hearts — i.e. they will appeal to love.2. Israel will regain its relationship as the people of the LORD (v. 10; Zechariah 8:8).3. The knowledge of the Lord will be common to all (v. 11; Isaiah 54:13).4. God will remember neither their sins nor their iniquities any more (v. 12).
For their part Christians are not under a covenant (is there a need for a pact between a father and his children?). But they already enjoy all these blessings promised to Israel, and more besides. The divine Word is implanted within them (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:3). They are now children of God. They know the Lord by the Holy Spirit who lives in them. They have the assurance that their sins are blotted out for ever.
Reader, are these privileges also yours?
