What is a Covenant Relationship with God? (Hebrews 8:1-13)
Hebrews 8:1–13 8 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. 8 For he finds fault with them when he says: [Jeremiah 31:31–34] “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” 13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Covenant – 100’s X OT; 7X Hebrews 8:1-13
- God is Relational & made us in His image for relationship (eg marriage vows)
- Covenant terms set by God, not us. “I will establish my covenant with you”
- “Cutting of Covenant” – a sacrifice was made showing the life-death bond
“BLOOD” – 362X OT; 92 NT – 11 sacrifices = all blood
- Old Covenants – Noah, Abraham, Moses, David (“shadow”)
- “New Covenant” – Hebrews 8:8, 13 = Old Covenants fulfilled in Christ
Jesus is our New Covenant High Priest
- Perfect Authority: He is “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 8:1)
- Perfect Access: He is “a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man” (Hebrews 8:2).
- Perfect Atonement: His death is better than other, “gifts and sacrifices (Hebrews 8:3).
=Jesus – 1). Priest 2). Sacrifice
New Covenant Sacrifice: What is Crucifixion?
Crucifixion = state sponsored terror (1. Believe 2. Behave)
- Impaling 800 BC Persians?
- Alexander – from impaling to crucifixion – terror & dread
- Romans perfected (soldiers had their own twisted torment)
- = Stipe (permanent post) & patibulum (crossbar)
- Height – eye level. (Enemies look in eye)
- Women = facing cross
- = 71 BC gladiator Spartacus died battle, crucified 6000 foes along 120 miles
- Excruciating = “from the cross” (icon or trademark” “emblem of suff/shame”)
New Covenant Sacrifice: How was Christ Crucified?
- Exodus – 1400 BC – Passover
- Jesus sat down to eat Passover – “my body, my blood”
- Up all night sweating like drops blood in prayer
- Betrayed, arrested, false witnesses & trials (gov’t & religion conspiracy)
- Beaten, carry cross & fell
- Handle & leather straps
- Stones or metal balls to tenderize flesh
- Glass, metal, or bones hooks
- Deep tissue damage – death setting in
- Shock, blood loss, heart strained
- Rib fly off body
= shotgun blast @ close range
NAILED HANDS & FEET
= Causes Death 1). Shock 2). Heart Failure 3). Dehydration 4).Asphyxiation
Jesus High Priestly Ministry from the Cross
Luke 23:34 Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
John 19:28 I am thirsty (sponge)
Matthew 27:46 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1)
John 19:30 It is finished (loud voice)
Luke 23:46 Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
- 3 hours, legs not broken (Ps. 34:20; Jn. 19:36)
- Declared dead by soldier
- Spear – blood/water = broken heart
- Temple curtain
- Darkness
- Buried Joseph Arimathea tomb (Isaiah 52-53)
Have you 1). Repented sin 2). Received Jesus?
4 Blessings of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:10-13)
- New Nature: “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts.”
- New Lord: “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
- New Life: I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more”
- New Worship: In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete.
– our priest & sacrifice are Jesus Christ
= Radically God centered: God works 1). for you, 2). in you, 3). through you
Luke 22:19–20 And he [Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
