June 15

Jesus, The Mediator Of A New Covenant

Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. — Heb 8:6 BSB

Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. — Heb 10:23 BSB

This is called the Better Covenant. It contains no ifs, no commands to “observe and do,” and no conditions of obedience to fulfill. From beginning to end, it consists entirely of the “I wills” of the Most High.

“I will put my laws into their minds” refers to the intellectual faculties—our thinking, memory, and reasoning.

“I will write them upon their hearts” refers to the emotional life and affections. Whatever a person loves, they are sure to follow and obey. “A little lower,” said the dying soldier, as they probed for the bullet, “and you will find the Emperor.” So it is with the Christian—God’s law is written in the deepest part of their heart. Obedience flows from love.

“I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people.” This is even better because it implies that God will keep us. If we are to be His special possession, it is only because of the power of His Spirit, who holds us fast, just as the sun keeps the planets from becoming wandering stars.

“All shall know Me.” What a wonder this is! Can it be that we can know God as Abraham did, to whom He revealed His secrets? Or as Moses did, who spoke with Him face to face? Or as the Apostle John did, who saw Him in visions? And this privilege is offered to the least among us!

“I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins I will remember no more.” Just as a score is erased from a slate, so will sin be wiped from God’s memory, forgotten like a debt paid long ago.

How can God call this a covenant when there is no second party to uphold? The answer is simple: Jesus Christ has stood in our place. He not only negotiated this covenant but also fulfilled all the conditions on our behalf. He is our Sponsor and Surety, enabling God to enter into this generous agreement with us, as long as we identify with Christ through living faith. This is the new and better covenant.

Prayer

Holy Father, I claim from You the fulfillment of Your Covenant Promise—to write Your law on my heart and remember my sins no more. May I hear You say, “Your faith has saved you; go, and sin no more!” Amen.