“…the sanctuary, the true tabernacle…” Hebrews 8:2

It’s not that the old tabernacle was false. The old tabernacle was merely a replica of the eternal true sanctuary made by God – man’s hands were not a part of the construction of Heaven’s Tabernacle. Who is the High Priest of this sanctuary? Who is the one entering The Holy of Holies and intercedes for those who have been born anew with life from above? It is The One and Only, Jesus Christ. He alone is the one who not only exhibited service to His disciples by washing their dirty feet, He also continues to serve through His service of intercession (Hebrews 8:1-2, 5).

The writers of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:1; 2:3; 5:11; 7:15; 8:1) pointed out that every high priest is poised to offer both gifts and sacrifices – for worship and atonement for sin. Jesus is The Gift of Heaven Who became the final sacrifice through His perfect, sinless life – far superior to any sacrifice a human priest could offer. And the ministry Jesus has been assigned is also superior to that of any man in ministry: He is The Mediator of a new covenant founded on better promises (vv. 3-6).

What makes God’s promises in the new covenant better?

1.   He extends them to the entire world (Read Genesis 12:3, 18:8, 22:18, 26:4, 28:14; Exodus 9:16; Joshua 4:24; 1Kings 8:60; 1 Chronicles 16:23-24; 2 Chronicles 6:33; Psalm 22:27, 33:8, 47:1, 64:9, 67:2-3, 72:17, 82:8; 86:9, 96:3, 117:1, 148:7,11; Isaiah 2:2, 34:1, 40:5, 43:6, 45:22, 49:6, 52:10, 56:7, 61:11, 66:18-23; Jeremiah 3:17; Daniel 7:14; Zephaniah 2:11, 3:9; Matthew 24:14, 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 3:16, 17:23; Acts 1:8, 2:17, 13:47; Romans 1:5, 14:11, 16:26; Philippians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 5:9, 7:9, 14:6, and 15:4).

2.   He made a provision for a new covenant because the old covenant was made ineffective by those who abandoned it and worshipped idols. The law will be written in the minds and hearts of those who draw near to God in faith; HE will be their God, and they will be His people (vv. 7-11).

3.   Those of the new covenant will be purged from wickedness and the damage it does spiritually and emotionally (v.12).

4.   Finally, the promises of the new covenant point to our forever home, prepared for us by our Lord and Savior Who paid the penalty for our sins and Who serves as our intercessor to God, the Father, in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle (v.2).

If you’ve been riding the fence on sharing your faith, I hope the scriptural support after point one, above, will finally convince you that God’s plan involves people – real people who will carry the gift of salvation to their family, friends, and throughout their circle of influence. Invite your family member or neighbor to celebrate Easter with you this Sunday.

He is Risen!