Hebrews 8:13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
This is a significant statement that can lead to different conclusions. It could lead to the idea that the Old Testament has no value to Christians anymore because it has been replaced by the New Testament. A different points in church history, certain people like Marcion took this position and rejected anything Jewish, including the Old Testament. Today, many Christians are functional Marcionites in that they do not read the Old Testament and have little understanding of the history of God’s people. Another perspective, which may be healthier is to see this statement in its theological context. The old covenant made between Moses, Israel, and God recorded in Exodus on Mount Sinai was temporary and pointed to something deeper and more profound that God wanted to do with the human race to restore relationship with them. The law points to Jesus Christ. The first covenant prepared for the second covenant. This would include the sacrificial system, priesthood, and even morals. Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the people. He was the perfect high priest who mediated between God and humanity. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit who came because of Jesus’ death and resurrection and would write God’s laws on people’s hearts. Everything about the old covenant is fulfilled in the new. God wants to do a deeper work in the human heart.
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