Hebrews 8

v1-2: Christ ministers in “the Most Holy Place, the true tabernacle in heaven,” and it is there that He is “taking care of his people’s affairs, interceding with God for them, so that their sins may be pardoned and their persons and services accepted through the merit of his sacrifice.”

v3-5: When the Israelites had something to present to God, whether that be “atoning sacrifices, fellowship offerings, or thank offerings,” it must be offered by the priest, “who was to atone for their guilt by the blood of the sacrifice and was to perfume their gifts and services by his holy incense.” This was to make them and what they did acceptable to God. Christ offers with what we “offer to God through him,” His own righteousness and merits, which makes them acceptable.

v6-9: Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant. The first covenant was “only a schoolteacher to bring us to Christ.” For that purpose, “it was perfect in its kind,” but “very imperfect in comparison with” the better covenant. The better covenant flows out of God’s mercy, love, and grace, was devised by God’s wisdom, has been purchased by God’s Son, and we are brought into it by God’s Spirit who builds us up in it. “This covenant contains promises of help and acceptance in duty, promises of progress and perseverance in grace and holiness, of happiness and glory in heaven.”

v10-11: In the new covenant, God will write His laws in His people. “He will give them understanding to know and believe his law, give them memories to retain them, give them hearts to love them and consciences to recognise them, give them courage to profess them and power to put them into practice.” Have you experienced this work of God?

v12-13: Reflect on God’s forgiveness of you. This forgiveness is free, “it does not result from anything people deserve, but only from God’s mercy.” This forgiveness is full, “it extends...to all kinds of sin, to detestable sins.” This forgiveness is final, “he will not only forgive their sins but even forget them - treat them as if he had forgotten them.”