As we saw in our sermon on Hebrews 9, this chapter stands as one of the most theologically dense passages in the Bible, addressing the fundamental differences between the Old and New Covenants. The key distinction lies in their ultimate purposes and what each could accomplish.

 

What Did the Old Covenant Actually Accomplish?

The Old Covenant served three main purposes for the Israelites:

• Gave one person (the High Priest) access to the fullness of the presence of God for one each year
• Provided temporary reconciliation between God and the nation of Israel
• Offered special protection and blessings to the nation of Israel that no other nation enjoyed

However, there was one crucial thing it could not do; the Old Covenant could not permanently remove the stain of sin, neither could it perfect the conscience of worshippers.

 

How is the New Covenant Different?

The New Covenant, established through Christ’s sacrifice, accomplishes what the Old Covenant could not:

• Permanently removes the stain and guilt of sin
• Perfects and cleanses the conscience of the believer
• Provides direct access to God for all believers, everywhere at all times
• Offers eternal inheritance rather than temporary blessings

 

How Were People Saved in the Old Testament?

Old Testament believers were saved the same way as New Testament believers: Through faith in the coming Messiah. In Genesis 3:15, God promised to send a Messiah to rescue humans from their sin. The salvation of Old Testament saints came from:

• Believing in the promise of God to send a Savior
• Trusting in God’s plan for redemption
• Looking forward to the coming Messiah in faith

 

Why Do Christians Still Need to Confess Their Sins?

Christ has already forgiven believers; all our sin (past, present, future) has been wiped clean. Yet, we still exhort believers to confess their sins to God. In fact, it’s built into the weekly liturgy at Horizon City Church. Confession serves three important purposes:

• Keeps us humble and cultivates a contrite heart
• Brings emotional and spiritual healing to the believer
• Prepares our hearts and minds for sacrament of communion

 

What Role Does God’s Law Play Today?

Some people say that the Old Covenant is “law” and the New Covenant is “gospel.” But this is an inaccurate assessment; this is not in-line with the classic Reformed view of the covenants. We believe that both covenants include both elements of law and elements of gospel.

• Law shows us God’s expectations and requirements
• Gospel provides grace when we fail to meet those requirements
• Christians are still called to obey God’s commands
• Grace covers us when we fall short of those commands

 

Life Application

The primary application from this passage centers on Christ’s return. The writer of Hebrews seems to have this implied connection between our looking back at the Old Covenant and our looking forward toward the second return of Christ. As we look back at the Old Covenant and evaluate it in the light of the New Covenant, we begin to see how great the New Covenant truly is—we can see more clearly the glory of the work of Christ.

In Christ’s first advent (his first coming), he established the New Covenant—permanently dealing with sin—and has begun to inaugurate his kingdom here on Earth. In his second advent (his soon-coming second return), he shall fully inaugurate his kingdom and we shall reign with him forever. We ought to eagerly look forward to his second coming, daily.

The more we appreciate what Jesus did at his first advent, the more we will look forward toward the second advent. If we don’t regularly look forward to the second return—if we don’t eagerly await his return—that may be a sign that we don’t appreciate his first advent as much as we should. Ask yourself:

• How often do I think about Christ’s return?
• Am I eagerly awaiting His second coming?
• Do I fully appreciate what Christ accomplished in His first coming?

 

Reflection Questions:

• What prevents me from thinking regularly about Christ’s return?
• How can I cultivate a greater appreciation for Christ’s work and sacrifice?
• In what ways does my life reflect eager anticipation of Christ’s return?