Bible Pathways - Dec. 14, 2007

Hebrews 8

In Today's Reading:

The New Covenant; the perfect sacrifice of Christ compared to temporary sacrifices under the Law; an appeal to remain faithful

The Tabernacle and worship system for Israel were revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The system of worship consisted of numerous sacrifices which could not cleanse from sins but could only "cover" them temporarily. However, every detail of this complex worship system was symbolic of the future single sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He replaced Israel's high priest, multitude of priests, and all of the sacrificial worship system. God foretold through His prophet of a future Covenant: I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah (Jeremiah 31:31; compare Hebrews 8:6-13).

Under the Old Covenant (Testament) worship system, the blood of goats and calves (9:12,19), which were innocent animals, was sacrificed daily for worshipers' sins. But Christ, who is God become Man, shed His own blood and entered once and for all, not an earthly Holy of Holies, for Christ is not entered into the Holy Places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (9:24).

The Holy Spirit led the writer of Hebrews to point out that the Old Covenant had looked forward to a greater and more perfect Tabernacle (9:10-11). The words more perfect Tabernacle refer to the bodily manifestation of God the Son, since the Tabernacle's contents, as well as the Tabernacle itself, symbolized Christ, His life, ministry, and death, as did all of the sacrifices. Animal sacrifices are no longer acceptable because Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (9:11-12).

The confession of our faith is a public acknowledgment that we have renounced the world and its lust of the flesh, and . . . of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-17) to remain loyal to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has done so much for us. God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Cross References:

For Hebrews 8:5: See Exodus 25:40. Hebrews 8:8-12: See Jeremiah 31:31-34. Hebrews 9:20-21: See Exodus 24:8. Hebrews 10:5-7: See Psalm 40:6-8. Hebrews 10:12-13: See Psalm 110:1. Hebrews 10:16-17: See Jeremiah 31:33-34. Hebrews 10:30: See Deuteronomy 32:35-36. Hebrews 10:37-38: See Habakkuk 2:3-4.

Word Studies:

9:2 candlestick =b> lampstand; 10:33 gazingstock =b> object of public ridicule; 10:36 patience =b> steadfast endurance, trust; 10:39 perdition =b> eternal destruction, damnation.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious freedom • 80% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taolist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for courage to praise the Lord before unbelievers (Psalm 96:3-5).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 12:15