This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
New and Improved! If you put this in large neon letters on a package, the power of suggestion may convince you that it is indeed better, though it may be exactly the same. Also, what constitutes better? This problem is absent from these verses in Hebrews 8. Here, the covenant God made with his people is indeed new and improved. The new High Priest does not make sacrifices once a year for sin, he died for our sins. The former priests died too but they stayed dead. This one did not because he conquered death itself. You most likely figured out that this new and improved High Priest is none other than Jesus Christ himself, who saves to the uttermost those who are his.
Too often, we choose to live under the old covenant and miss the blessings of the new. We try to begood ourselves to heaven and save ourselves. Just like the priests, we are prevented by death from doing so. We need the Great High Priest who will have the job for eternity so we never have to worry about our sins. They are covered. The stain is washed away as if we used new and improved laundry detergent. Jesus Christ washes us white as snow. He is the better High Priest of a better covenant and when we are drawn near to him, we are…
New and improved.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church