Technology demonstrates an amazing rate of change. Your salesperson may have promised that your computer could handle your software needs; however, you soon discover that your computer can no longer accommodate the new software. What if you had a system that would not need to be updated and you could rest secure knowing that your system was adequate? That would also be a relief in everyday life.

Throughout the book of Hebrews, the writer shows the superiority of Christ, He is even superior to the old covenant. A covenant may be thought of as a promise that stipulates the conditions of a relationship. The author makes a startling observation concerning the old covenant and God’s new covenant for us.

When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. (Hebrews 8:13)

This is an amazing statement, but not one that should take us by surprise. Jeremiah had prophesied about the new covenant approximately 600 years earlier. The word “new” denotes not that which is new in time, but rather qualitatively different in contrast to the old. The word “obsolete” refers to that which is old and about to be abrogated. The old covenant was only a shadow of what was to come. We see several advantages of the new covenant. First, we see that the new covenant is internal, since it is in our minds and hearts,

FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. (Hebrews 8:10a)

In the new covenant, God’s law is not external, but it is part of our identity. The new covenant is also personal,

AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. (Hebrews 8:10b)

This is a comforting thought to know that we have a personal God who cares about us. God is not only personal, but He’s also knowable,

AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. (Hebrews 8:11)

The new covenant is not beyond our comprehension. This knowledge gives us a sense of confidence and assurance. The new covenant is less complicated, but it’s more demanding because God is not simply looking simply external behavior but our heart motives. Finally, we see that the new covenant is merciful and we can have peace with God,

FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE. (Hebrews 8:12)

This is tremendous thought – God knows all about my sins and He chooses not to remember them! Are you experiencing the blessings of the new covenant or are you trying to earn God’s favor through your performance?  Jesus has ushered in the new covenant so that you might enjoy the blessings of unhindered fellowship with Him.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5