The Objection
When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. (Hebrews 8:13)
Jesus' work has ended the old covenant and the Law of Moses.
The Response
Hebrews 8 does not say that Jesus ended the old covenant or the Law of Moses.
The word "covenant" is not present in that verse. The translators added it as a reflection of their bias against the Law.
Let's see what this chapter says:
Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. (Hebrews 8:1-3)
The author of Hebrews does us a great service by identifying his key message: we have such a high priest. Hebrews chapter 7 describes this high priest, and the writer says his point is we have a high priest just like that! The author points to the Levitical priesthood as ineffective at cleansing the conscience and forgiving sin.
But now He [Jesus] has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant [priesthood] had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH; (Hebrews 8:6-8)
The translators attempt to insert "covenant" again in verse 7, but the context indicates we are speaking of a priesthood, and in verse 8, it says "for finding fault with them"... the priesthood. The writer of Hebrews then quotes a lengthy passage from Jeremiah 31 that speaks of the New Covenant and its purposes for Israel.
The concluding verse (13) confirms that the old covenant (G-d's Word written on tablets of stone) will be replaced by the new covenant (G-d's Word written on the tablets of our heart) as promised in Jeremiah 31:33.
Scripture says...
Objection overruled.
If you still have questions, check out our definitions and assumptions page. If you still have questions or concerns after reading that, please contact us. We would love the opportunity to understand and respond to those concerns!
