Articles
The Better Religion
The Better Religion
At the heart of the religion of the Old Testament stood the priesthood, the covenant, the tabernacle/temple, and the sacrifices. These were tightly connected. To change the priesthood would require a changing of the law (Heb. 7). The priests were ordained to offer sacrifice both for themselves and on behalf of the people. The priests fulfilled their duties in the designated tabernacle. The tabernacle itself was dedicated by the blood of the sacrifices. These then were a package deal.
With the coming of the New Covenant, we have that which is better in each of these areas. Our High Priest is the son of God. He offered HIMSELF. As one who never sinned, he was a complete and perfect sacrifice that could take away sins. He offered such sacrifice for sin in the REAL dwelling place of God. Thus He fulfilled the Old Covenant and is the mediator of a new and better Covenant (Heb. 9:15; 12:24). It is by this covenant that we now approach acceptably unto God.
The writer draws the conclusion: "…and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10:21-22). Hugh DeLong
