Week 7 October 22
ELL THE Teorn
Background Passage: Hebrews 8:1-9:28
Lesson Passages: Hebrews 8:1-2,6-10; 9:22-28
BIBLICAL TRUTH
Christianity’s superiority
over all other religions is
based on Jesus’ superior
ministry, covenant, and
sacrifice.
KEY BIBLE VERSE
Hebrews 8:6
[RAND 2 PICTURESPUNCHSTOCK/CD/HANDS ON 2/RF
(A was standing in a department store in Birmingham talking with a sales
clerk. When questioned about what brought me to Birmingham, [ responded
that I was preaching in a local church. Then she inquired, “What denomina-
tion?” When I replied, “Baptist,” she smiled and said, “Well, we're all going to
the same place, but we're just taking different roads.” How would you have
answered? I said, “Although there is no denominational label on the road, the
road that leads to heaven goes by the way of the cross. And that’s the only road
that goes to heaven.”
In a day that emphasizes tolerance even to the neglect of truth, we Chris-
tians need to stand on the truth. To accept the idea that one religion is as good
as another is contrary to the very heart of the gospel. The only way to salva-
tion is through Jesus. The truth is that Christianity is superior to all other reli-
gions, which is what God wants His people to accept and communicate.
BACKGROUND PASSAGE OVERVIEW
Our study in chapter 7 showed Christ as a superior priest. The first six vers-
es of chapter 8 are a summary of that truth. Six better (superior) things are
listed: high priest, sanctuary, sacrifice, covenant, promises, and ministry.
MW Tel the Truthcee
Y QU
1, Who originated worship in the sanctuary and the true taberna-
cle? (8:2)
2. Describe some of the unique features of this new covenant God
will make with His people. (8:8-10),
3, Why is the sacrifice of Jesus unrepeatable? (9:26)
STION
Verses 7-13 give an explanation of the better covenant. The
need for it, the nature of it, and a summary are given. The old
sanctuary and the ceremonies of the Levitical system offered
no real remedy for sin (Heb, 9;1-10). Granted, the pageantry
was impressive; however, the conscience was untouched.
The writer described the superiority of the heavenly sanc-
tuary (vv. 11-14). Christ is the fulfillment of what the taber-
nacle symbolized, the reality of what was only a shadow. His
use of the title Christ indicated the Messiah had come. The
new tabernacle was not made with hands—it was spiritual,
not material; heavenly, not earthly; eternal, not temporary.
The writer then contrasted the sacrifice of the old tabernacle
with that of the new (vv. 15-23). He made a statement about
Christ’s three appearances (vv. 24-28).
Several chapters have been devoted to a discussion of the
High Priest, but none to how He carries out His priestly func-
tions. This is the theme of the next two and one-half chapters.
TELL OF Jesus’ MinistRY (HEB. 8:1-2,6a)
Holman CSB Ls
1 Now the main point of
what is being said is this: we
have this kind of high priest,
who sat down at the right
hand of the throne of the
Majesty in the heavens, 2 a
minister of the sanctuary and
| the true tabernacle, which the
Lord set up, and not man....
6a But Jesus has now obtained
a superior ministry,
1 Now of the things which
we have spoken this is the sum:
We have such an high priest,
who is set on the right hand
of the throne of the Majesty in
the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary,
and of the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched, and not
man....
6a But now hath he obtained
a more excellent ministry,
|
SS Week of October 22 TMwv Verse 1, The author began by telling about the main point
concerning the High Priest, what He had to offer and how He
functioned. This High Priest was seated, indicating His com-
‘ pleted work. This completion was in contradistinction to the
res the Aaronic priests, who always stood in the presence of God
image of Christ (Heb. 10:11).
he ew Majesty is a reference to God the Father. Apart from the
true tent have Parallel wording in 1:3 and the use in Jude 25, this word is not
implications for found elsewhere in the New Testament, The fact that this
you? What are Priest was seated at the right hand enhances His status, since
they? (8:1-2). this position next to the ruling power was a place of honor,
dignity, and power.
Verse 2. Christ was a Priest who ministered in the sanc-
tuary and the true tabernacle. This fact draws attention to
the continuing work of Christ, who has a real ministry in
God’s presence today.
The sanctuary probably ought to be understood as the
Holy of Holies. Linking this description with the tent shows
that the basis of the writer's imagery was not the temple but
the tabernacle.
The contrast between the symbolic ministry of Aaron’s line
with the real, spiritual work of Christ is pointed out by the
word true. This word is not in opposition to false, but means
true as opposed to the merely symbolic or to a copy.
Christ's ministry was set up by God. The truth that our
High Priest is in heaven doing this great work affirms God as
the source of strength and also certifies that Christ will be
successful and effective in His work. Verses 3-5 (not printed)
contrast the effectiveness of Jesus’ ministry to that of the
Levitical priests.
Verse 6a. Christ’s ministry is a superior ministry. There is
a parallel between the new ministry and the old ministry and
between the new and the old covenants. If we have a new
priest who is superior to the old, it is reasonable to assume
that we have a new covenant that is superior to the old
covenant as well,
The better covenant mentioned in verse 6 is the heart of
the discussion in this section. Covenant refers to our relation-
ship with God, the terms of which He has set. Next the author
turned to a comparison between Christ in heaven and Moses
on earth.
QW ell the Truth