Hebrews 7:18-22
18 “For, on the one hand, there is the nullification of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, there is the introduction of a better hope, through which we come near to God. 20 And to the extent that it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,
“The Lord has sworn
And will not change His mind,
‘You are a priest forever’”);
22 by the same extent Jesus also has become the guarantee of a better covenant.”
Weakness and uselessness: The former covenant has been set aside by the New Covenant. Consequently, believers are to set aside the law in favor of the Gospel. The Old Covenant is useless and weak for the Christian. It cannot save anyone or perfect anyone. This is why we needed a New Covenant, a better hope, through which we draw near to God. There is one way to know God better: The New Covenant. We should not, therefore, mix covenants.
The Lord has sworn: The New Covenant is based on God’s promise to Himself. This oath is independent of humanity. This means that our only role is to respond to the completeness of Christ’s salvation. God promises to never change His mind.
Better covenant: The New Covenant offers something far better than the Old Covenant. It offers a perfect salvation founded completely on the finished work of Christ. When we believe, we are completely forgiven and given a new nature (Hebrews 8:8-12). This is something the Old Covenant could never have done.
