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Better the key word in Hebrews
Better the key word in Hebrews
“Better”, this word appears 13 times in the book of Hebrews (NASB95). Thus, we see that the book is a contrast – a contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, a contrast between Jesus and almost everything else. While not all the contrasts made in Hebrews are labeled ‘better’, let us notice a few that are:
God has, through Jesus, provided something better for us (Heb. 11:40).
He provides a Better Covenant (Heb. 7:22; 8:6).
This new covenant is founded upon a better sacrifice, the sacrifice of Jesus (Heb. 9:23).
We have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood which speaks better than the blood of Abel. (Heb. 12:24).
The New Covenant has been enacted on better promises (Heb. 8:6).
With the coming of this New Covenant “there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Heb. 7:19).
We look forward to a better resurrection than a resurrection to this life (Heb. 11:35).
Like the saints of old, we are “looking for a better country, that is a heavenly one” (Heb. 11:16).
In making such a comparison, the writer does NOT disparage or think ill of the previous covenant, promises, etc. They were good for what they were intended for and for as long as they were in effect. It is just that what we have in Jesus is BETTER. So, grab a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle of the page, and make your own lists from Hebrews. On the one side list the things of the Old Covenant, and on the other side the BETTER things of the New Covenant. Are you impressed? Are you thankful? Are you a follower of Jesus?
Hugh DeLong
