“(For the Law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” – Hebrews 7:19 (NIV)
The New Covenant (or New Testament) is a promise God made to humanity. He will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned towards Him.
Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant, and His death on the cross is the basis of the promise (Luke 22:20). The New Covenant was predicted while the Old Covenant was still in effect. The Prophets Moses, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all alluded to the New Covenant. In Deuteronomy 30, Moses spoke of God circumcising the hearts of their descendants, while Jeremiah also predicted the New Covenant – Jeremiah 31:31-33.
Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses and to establish the New Covenant between God and His people – Matthew 5:17. The Old Testament Law was considered the way to achieve righteousness, but obeying rules does not work for fallen humans. We fail miserably. Jesus came and provided a better way to draw near to God. On the cross, Jesus paid the only price God would accept to cover our sins; His son’s perfect life’s blood. Brethren, the gift of salvation is accessible to all who would take it. REDEMPTION is here.
In Paul’s writing, he stressed that we were bought, never to be sold again. Full redemption means that the new owner paid the total price for us, who were slaves to sin. We are now free; that is what Jesus did when He paid our redemption price on the cross. He paid the ransom price for our sins, redeemed us from the slavery of sin…never to be sold again. Whenever the accuser points out our sin, Christ stands before the Judge (God) to show His wounded hands – proof that He paid the price – and claims us as His own – Psalms 130:7. We are no longer slaves to sin.
Prayer
Father, I am glad You have redeemed my past. I have said and done things of which I am not proud. I am grateful You have blotted out my sins and given me a fresh start. You wiped away my shame and guilt. I do not have to live in the past; I can face the future with confidence and grace. Thank You, in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 26:28; 2 Corinthians 3:6
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 24; Mark 5:21-43; Mark 6:1-6; Exodus 27; Exodus 28
