Today’s Reading | Hebrews 8
New is Better
What makes the New Covenant, (the New Testament system) superior to the Old Covenant, (the Old Testament system)? In this chapter, the author lists many reasons. Three examples are found in verse ten. The Old Covenant was basically established on external behavior. Obedience was usually a result of the fear of punishment. God’s law was given on tablets of stone. The Holy Spirit, however, was not yet given to believers in the way the New Covenant allowed. After the Holy Spirit was given to the believers, the law of God was written on their hearts. True religion was no longer an external ritual but an internal relationship. We see in verse eleven that the New is better because it is personal. God lives within the hearts of all who by faith, have trusted Christ. We can have a personal relationship with Christ. In verse twelve, the New Covenant is superior because it brings total forgiveness. The promise of the Old Testament was fulfilled. The Old Covenant only covered sin. Jesus Christ washed away our sin. How thankful are you for what Christ has done? Who needs to know what the New Covenant provides?
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What is the difference between external religion and internal religion?
So What?
How can you tell if one’s foundation of life is based on an external or an internal faith?
Now What?
How can you prevent your true religion from becoming external, like the old covenant?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?