Embracing the New Covenant: Christ's Perfect Sacrifice
Summary
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is a profound reminder of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. The bread and wine symbolize His body and blood, representing the perfect sacrifice He made to secure our salvation. In Hebrews 8, we explore the superiority of Christ as our high priest and the blessings of the new covenant He mediates. Unlike the temporary and imperfect old covenant, the new covenant is established on better promises and is eternal. Christ's ministry surpasses that of the Mosaic priesthood, as He is the mediator who reconciles us to God, offering a relationship not based on our flawed attempts at righteousness but on His perfect fulfillment of the law.
The old covenant, dependent on human faithfulness, highlighted our inability to achieve holiness. In contrast, the new covenant, promised by Jeremiah and inaugurated by Christ, is based on His faithfulness. It offers a new character, not merely a renewal of the old. This covenant is internal, written on our hearts, and brings a spiritual union with God. Every believer in the new covenant knows the Lord personally, experiencing a transformation that the old covenant could not provide.
Christ's sacrifice provides complete forgiveness of sins, a once-and-for-all atonement that the repetitive sacrifices of the old covenant could never achieve. His blood cries out for mercy and grace, inviting us to rest in His finished work. The new covenant fulfills and surpasses the old, rendering it obsolete. Through Christ, we have direct access to God, enjoying the full favor and love that He has for His Son. This privilege calls us to boldly approach the throne of grace, assured of His unmerited favor.
Key Takeaways:
- Christ as the Perfect Mediator: Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, bringing peace between God and humanity. Unlike the old covenant, which was dependent on human faithfulness, the new covenant is based on Christ's perfect fulfillment of the law. This covenant offers a relationship with God that is secure and eternal. [04:26]
- The New Covenant's Superiority: The new covenant, promised by Jeremiah, is not just a renewal but a transformation. It is written on our hearts, offering a personal relationship with God. This internal change is something the old covenant could not provide, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant. [17:58]
- Complete Forgiveness in Christ: Under the new covenant, Christ's sacrifice provides complete and final forgiveness of sins. Unlike the old covenant's repetitive sacrifices, Christ's atonement is once-and-for-all, offering us rest in His finished work. [35:15]
- Direct Access to God: The new covenant grants us direct access to God, a privilege that surpasses the old covenant. Through Christ, we can boldly approach the throne of grace, assured of His love and favor. This access is a profound blessing of the new covenant. [41:13]
- Transformation and Union with Christ: The new covenant brings a transformation of heart and a spiritual union with Christ. Every believer knows the Lord personally, experiencing a change that the old covenant could not achieve. This union is the source of true fulfillment and satisfaction. [29:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:26] - Christ as the Perfect Mediator
- [07:34] - Better Promises of the New Covenant
- [10:00] - Fulfillment of the Old Covenant
- [14:05] - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice
- [17:58] - Jeremiah's Promise of the New Covenant
- [23:24] - New Character of the Covenant
- [26:32] - Transformation of the Heart
- [29:40] - Spiritual Union with Christ
- [31:53] - Knowing the Lord Personally
- [35:15] - Complete Forgiveness in Christ
- [37:28] - Obsolescence of the Old Covenant
- [41:13] - Direct Access to God
- [44:00] - Boldly Approaching the Throne
- [46:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 8:6-13
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- 1 Timothy 2:5
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 8:6-13 say about the role of Jesus as a mediator of the new covenant? How is this different from the old covenant? [04:26]
2. According to the sermon, what are the key differences between the old covenant and the new covenant as described in Hebrews 8? [10:00]
3. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs in believers under the new covenant? [29:40]
4. What does the sermon say about the completeness of forgiveness under the new covenant compared to the old covenant? [35:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the perfect mediator change the way believers relate to God compared to the old covenant? [04:26]
2. In what ways does the new covenant, as described in Jeremiah 31:31-34, offer a more personal relationship with God than the old covenant? [17:58]
3. What does it mean for the new covenant to be written on our hearts, and how does this internal change affect a believer's life? [23:24]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Christ's sacrifice being once-and-for-all, and what implications does this have for believers today? [35:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. How does understanding Jesus as your mediator influence your daily walk with Him? [04:26]
2. The new covenant is described as being written on our hearts. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not just an external practice but an internal transformation? [23:24]
3. Complete forgiveness is a key aspect of the new covenant. Are there past sins or guilt that you struggle to let go of? How can you embrace the forgiveness offered through Christ? [35:15]
4. The sermon emphasizes direct access to God through the new covenant. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your life, knowing you can boldly approach the throne of grace? [41:13]
5. Consider the transformation and union with Christ that the new covenant brings. How can you cultivate a deeper spiritual connection with Christ in your daily routine? [29:40]
6. The sermon mentions the obsolescence of the old covenant. Are there old habits or beliefs in your spiritual life that you need to let go of to fully embrace the new covenant? [37:28]
7. How can you share the blessings of the new covenant with others in your community, especially those who may not yet know Christ? [31:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ as the Perfect Mediator
Christ's role as the perfect mediator is central to the new covenant, which is based on His perfect fulfillment of the law rather than human faithfulness. Unlike the old covenant, which relied on human efforts and often highlighted our shortcomings, the new covenant offers a secure and eternal relationship with God. Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God, bringing peace and reconciliation. This new covenant is not just a continuation of the old but a complete transformation, offering believers a relationship with God that is grounded in grace and truth. [04:26]
Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on Christ's mediation rather than your own efforts to maintain your relationship with God today?
Day 2: The New Covenant's Superiority
The new covenant, as promised by Jeremiah, is not merely a renewal of the old but a profound transformation. It is written on our hearts, offering a personal and intimate relationship with God. This internal change is something the old covenant could not provide, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant. It is a covenant that brings about a change in character and a deeper spiritual connection with God, allowing believers to experience a transformation that is both personal and communal. [17:58]
Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: How can you allow the truth of the new covenant to transform your heart and mind today?
Day 3: Complete Forgiveness in Christ
Under the new covenant, Christ's sacrifice provides complete and final forgiveness of sins. Unlike the old covenant's repetitive sacrifices, Christ's atonement is once-and-for-all, offering believers rest in His finished work. This complete forgiveness means that believers no longer need to strive for acceptance through their own efforts but can rest in the assurance of Christ's perfect sacrifice. It is an invitation to live in the freedom and grace that comes from knowing that our sins are fully forgiven. [35:15]
Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: Is there a sin or guilt you are holding onto that you need to release to Christ's complete forgiveness today?
Day 4: Direct Access to God
The new covenant grants believers direct access to God, a privilege that surpasses the old covenant. Through Christ, we can boldly approach the throne of grace, assured of His love and favor. This access is a profound blessing of the new covenant, allowing believers to experience the fullness of God's presence and the assurance of His unmerited favor. It is an invitation to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that we are welcomed and loved. [41:13]
Ephesians 3:12 (ESV): "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."
Reflection: How can you take advantage of your direct access to God today? What specific prayers or concerns will you bring before Him?
Day 5: Transformation and Union with Christ
The new covenant brings a transformation of heart and a spiritual union with Christ. Every believer knows the Lord personally, experiencing a change that the old covenant could not achieve. This union is the source of true fulfillment and satisfaction, as it allows believers to live in the reality of Christ's presence and power in their lives. It is a call to embrace the new identity and purpose that comes from being united with Christ. [29:40]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your union with Christ and live out your new identity in Him?
Quotes
"So we're going to look at verses 6 through 13, and we're going to look at eight blessings of the new covenant. Starting in verse 6, it says, but now he, speaking of Christ, has ordained a more, has obtained a more excellent ministry, and as much as he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Here he's talking about Christ. He says, first of all, that he has a more excellent ministry." [00:02:30] (35 seconds)
"Who does he have a better ministry than? He's referring to the Mosaic priest, right? The Aaronic priesthood. He has a far better ministry than the priest of Israel had, because remember, at best, the high priest would be able to go once a year into the Holy of Holies, right? And he had to make sacrifices for himself to cleanse himself, and there in the Holy of Holies, he would make an atoning sacrifice for the blood shed for the children of Israel. And he had to do that every year, because people continue to sin, right? Christ is a far better ministry than that, a more excellent, which means a surpassing ministry." [00:03:04] (43 seconds)
"The Old Testament had lots of promises, did they not? And many different covenants in the Old Testament, but when it's speaking of the Old Covenant, it's typically speaking of the Mosaic Covenant as representative of all the covenants. But most of the blessings, were they not temporal blessings, right? But Christ's blessings are far better. It encompasses all those temporal blessings, but it also gives a whole bounty of blessings that we're not even able to conceive of in the Old Testament, much less able to actually produce in the New Covenant. Only Christ can do that. The Old Covenant could not." [00:07:37] (35 seconds)
"The Old Covenant was designed to be temporary. That's why it's surpassed by the New Covenant. It was designed for one purpose, and that was to show us the need for salvation, and to show us the need of a sacrifice. To show us that we needed a Savior, that we could not save ourselves. It would be impossible for us to keep the Old Testament law. The Old Testament, the Old Covenant, was dependent upon the faithfulness of Israel." [00:11:15] (33 seconds)
"But look at the new covenant. The new covenant does not depend on the faithfulness of you and me. The new covenant depends on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, and that's why it's superior. That's why he is the better mediator. In Hebrews chapter 7, the prior chapter, verses 26 through 27, says, for such a high priest who is fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, which means innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens, who does not need daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins and then for the people's. For this he did once and for all when he offered up himself." [00:13:51] (47 seconds)
"Jeremiah was a prophet of the Old Testament, and he operated during the time when Israel was under severe judgment. Israel was being brought into exile. He lived during the time where he actually saw Jerusalem and the city burn down, and he was actually carted off himself into Egyptian exile as a prisoner. So he saw his beloved country fall during this time. But during the midst of that, even during the hardship of seeing his countrymen and his country being destroyed, he prophesied that God would offer a new and better covenant." [00:16:12] (44 seconds)
"Christ gave the new covenant truly a new character. Let's look in eight and nine. Because finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. Because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them. He's quoting here Jeremiah. Jeremiah actually says, though I was a husband to them." [00:22:29] (33 seconds)
"When we look at the Old Covenant, we find that it was conditional, that it required a priest to go in routinely to make sacrifices again and again. We find that it was typological and that it was pointing towards Christ, but as a result, it wasn't all that revealing, right? There was some opaqueness to it, some mystery. It wasn't fully revealed until we get to the New Testament. But the New Covenant is far better in every aspect." [00:24:29] (31 seconds)
"In the new covenant, Christ gives us a new heart. The laws were not written on stone in the new covenant. They were in the old covenant. Christ takes his holy character and he writes it on your heart. He does this in the new birth, right? Remember John chapter 3, Nicodemus comes to Christ at night and Jesus tells him, you will never see the kingdom of God unless you're born again." [00:26:28] (32 seconds)
"In the new covenant, Christ gives us complete and full forgiveness of our sins. Under the old covenant, were your sins ever fully forgiven? No. No. If you were basing it just upon the works of the law. You had to continuously be offering up sacrifices. Sacrifices were made daily by the priest. The morning sacrifice and the evening sacrifice on behalf of the people of God. The priest would go in and would pray before the altar of incense. And once a year, he'd go into the Holy of Holies. And that had to be done continually, right?" [00:32:43] (38 seconds)
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