A New And Better Promise For The Year 2013

A New and Better Agreement {Heb. 8:6-7, 9:1-10}

If you have ever felt hopeless and trapped in a desperate situation, you will understand why Jews reacted so warmly to the invitation extended in the book of Hebrews. Thousands of years of Jewish history were built on God’s agreement with Israel. But Christ came to offer a superior agreement rooted in better promises and without fault (Heb.8:6-7).

As the prophet Jeremiah had foreseen, under the new arrangement wickedness will be forgiven, sins will be forgotten, and the old agreement will fade into the shadows before vanishing altogether (8:12-13, Jer.31:31-34).

What an amazing message! We can have a fresh start. Bondage to old, seemingly unbreakable patterns can be broken and replaced. But first we must confess our condition and accept God’s provision, which includes His agenda for change (1 John 1:8-10). Therein lies a fresh start for our lives. The same pattern of newness holds true for relationships. Owning our responsibility and admitting our faults open the door to new ways (see Acts 19:18-20, James 5:16).

Have you learnt the joy of confession, apology and repentance? Do you need some breakthroughs among your peers, friends, or associates? Take the risk to speak the truth to them about your failings and seek a renewal in the relationship.

The Freedom of the New Agreement {Heb. 9:1-10}

God entered into two agreements with the human race. The one described in the Old Testament was based on God’s law, while the one described in the New Testament is based on God’s grace. Let’s compare them.

•   The Old Agreement is obsolete (Heb. 9:1-10) now that Christ has come (8:13); the New Agreement (9:11-28) is a Better Agreement brought about by Christ (7:19, 8:6-7).

•  The Old Agreement originated at Mount Sinai (Gal.4:24-25); the New Agreement originated from the Jerusalem above (Gal.4:26-27).

•  The Old Agreement brought death and condemnation (2 Cor. 3:7-9); the New Agreement brings life (Eph.2:1-13).

•  The Old Agreement was impossible to obey perfectly because of human weakness and sin (Rom.8:3); the New Agreement was fulfilled perfectly by Christ (Luke 22:20, 1 Cor. 11:25).

•  The Old Agreement required annual atonement for sins (9:7-8, 10:1-4); the New Agreement removes sin once for all and cleanses the conscience (9:12, 10:2, 22).

•  The Old Agreement restricted access to God (9:7-8); the New Agreement opened access to God for all (9:15-16).

Think About It and Do the Right Thing

God’s New Agreement offers the Forgiveness of sins and Eternal life to all who respond and place their faith in Jesus Christ. Have you responded? Is there someone you need to tell about God’s offer? God is waiting for your response…