“By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away.” (Hebrews 8:13)
To appreciate how great is the new covenant, we must first consider the faults of the old.
The old covenant was powerless. External commands couldn’t remedy the polluting sin that corrupted human desires. The Law was summed up in loving the Lord and loving people, which is good. But it didn’t provide the means to obey. Like the speed limit, it doesn’t give us the desire to drive below it. So the old covenant was just a signpost, unable to supply the power to obey in itself, until Jesus came with His Spirit.
The old covenant was imperfect. Although the old covenant was good, it was imperfect for our needs. As sinners, we could never sacrifice enough under the old covenant to be righteous enough for God. It only provided a teaser, an appetizer that we weren’t meant to be filled off of. Now that Jesus has come, the old covenant is obsolete.
The new covenant is the apex. How?
First, God made the new covenant to be a covenant of reconciliation. During the time of Rehoboam, the kingdom had become divided into two parts, Israel and Judah. It is significant that God brings together the divided and estranged houses of Israel and Judah. In Christ, we experience reconciliation with God, although we were His enemies previously.
Second, the new covenant works powerfully inside. Whereas the old covenant was written on stone tablets, the new is not only on our minds but it’s written on our hearts (v.10). We are powerfully transformed in our entirety. We become God’s people, and God becomes ours. Thus, we not only learn God’s instructions, but we are enabled to obey wholeheartedly.
Third, the new covenant is a community that breaks down barriers, because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them (v. 11). There is no class distinction, age nor rank. Christian community is equal footing.
Fourth, the new covenant is gracious and merciful (v.12). We could not come to God without His mercy on the cross. Forgiveness is built into the new covenant! And His forgiveness is complete!
Lastly, the new covenant is eternal and complete (v.13), so you can be strongly assured, secure in knowing this covenant will not pass away. Christian, rest in what God has done in this new covenant in Jesus Christ!