Hebrews 8

Chapter Summary

Hebrews chapter 8 begins by stating that Jesus, our high priest, has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving as a minister in the true tabernacle set up by the Lord (Hebrews 8:1-2). The author then contrasts the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly one, emphasizing that the old covenant is obsolete and fading away (Hebrews 8:13). The chapter quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34 to describe the new covenant, which is characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where all people will know the Lord and have their sins forgiven (Hebrews 8:10-12). The old covenant, in contrast, is shown to be inferior and limited, unable to perfect those who draw near to worship (Hebrews 8:6-7). The chapter concludes by reiterating that Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry because He is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6).

Context for the Chapter

Hebrews chapter 8 is part of a larger argument in the book of Hebrews, which aims to demonstrate the superiority of Jesus Christ over the old covenant. The chapter follows the discussion of Jesus' role as high priest in Hebrews 7 and precedes the description of the earthly tabernacle in Hebrews 9. The author of Hebrews is writing to a Jewish audience, encouraging them to persevere in their faith and warning them against returning to the old covenant. The chapter is set in the context of the early Christian church, where the relationship between the old and new covenants was a topic of significant debate and discussion.

Heart Application

Hebrews chapter 8 encourages us to appreciate the superiority of the new covenant and the role of Jesus Christ as our high priest and mediator. We should seek to deepen our personal and intimate relationship with God, knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal inheritance through Jesus' work. As we reflect on the better promises of the new covenant, we should be motivated to persevere in our faith and to trust in Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Hebrews chapter 8 explains that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, which is better than the old covenant. This new covenant offers eternal inheritance and a personal relationship with God, where all people will know the Lord and have their sins forgiven (Hebrews 8:10-12). Jesus' sacrifice is a once-for-all offering for our sins, and He is the guarantee of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

Voices from the Church

“The new covenant is a covenant of grace, and it is a covenant that brings us into a personal and intimate relationship with God. As Spurgeon notes, 'The covenant of grace is not a bargain between God and man, but a free gift of God to man.'”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The old covenant was a shadow of the good things to come, but the new covenant is the reality. Calvin writes, 'The old covenant was a figure, a shadow, a type; but the new covenant is the truth, the substance, the reality.'”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:1-5) — The chapter introduces the concept of the new covenant, highlighting Jesus' role as high priest and mediator. The true tabernacle in heaven is contrasted with the earthly tabernacle, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus' work.
2. The Old Covenant is Obsolete (Hebrews 8:6-7) — The old covenant is shown to be inferior and limited, unable to perfect those who draw near to worship. The new covenant, in contrast, offers eternal inheritance and a personal relationship with God.
3. The New Covenant is Established on Better Promises (Hebrews 8:8-12) — The new covenant is established on better promises, which offer eternal inheritance to those who are called. These promises are characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where all people will know the Lord and have their sins forgiven.
4. The Old Covenant is Fading Away (Hebrews 8:13) — The old covenant is fading away, and the new covenant is the reality. The chapter concludes by reiterating that Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry because He is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises.
5. Conclusion (Hebrews 8:1-13) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the superiority of the new covenant and the role of Jesus Christ as our high priest and mediator. We are encouraged to appreciate the better promises of the new covenant and to trust in Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of the New Covenant

Hebrews chapter 8 teaches that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, offering eternal inheritance and a personal relationship with God. This covenant is established on better promises and is characterized by a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.

The Doctrine of Jesus as High Priest and Mediator

The chapter emphasizes Jesus' role as our high priest and mediator of the new covenant. He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving in the true tabernacle and offering a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.

The Doctrine of the True Tabernacle

The true tabernacle refers to the heavenly tabernacle, where Jesus serves as our high priest, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. This concept is contrasted with the earthly tabernacle, which is shown to be inferior and limited.

The Doctrine of Better Promises

The new covenant is established on better promises, which offer eternal inheritance to those who are called. These promises are characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where all people will know the Lord and have their sins forgiven.

Lessons from Hebrews 8

1. The Superiority of the New Covenant — Hebrews chapter 8 teaches that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, offering eternal inheritance and a personal relationship with God. This covenant is established on better promises and is characterized by a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.
2. The Role of Jesus as High Priest and Mediator — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' role as our high priest and mediator of the new covenant. He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving in the true tabernacle and offering a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.
3. The True Tabernacle in Heaven — The true tabernacle refers to the heavenly tabernacle, where Jesus serves as our high priest, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. This concept is contrasted with the earthly tabernacle, which is shown to be inferior and limited.
4. The Better Promises of the New Covenant — The new covenant is established on better promises, which offer eternal inheritance to those who are called. These promises are characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where all people will know the Lord and have their sins forgiven.
5. The Significance of Jesus' Once-for-All Sacrifice — Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice for our sins is a central theme in Hebrews chapter 8. This sacrifice is a guarantee of a better covenant, established on better promises, and offers eternal inheritance to those who are called.

Themes from Hebrews 8

1. The New Covenant — Hebrews chapter 8 emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant. This covenant is established on better promises and offers eternal inheritance to those who are called.
2. Jesus as High Priest and Mediator — The chapter highlights Jesus' role as our high priest and mediator of the new covenant. He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving in the true tabernacle and offering a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.
3. The True Tabernacle — The true tabernacle refers to the heavenly tabernacle, where Jesus serves as our high priest, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. This concept is contrasted with the earthly tabernacle, which is shown to be inferior and limited.
4. Better Promises — The new covenant is established on better promises, which offer eternal inheritance to those who are called. These promises are characterized by a personal and intimate relationship with God, where all people will know the Lord and have their sins forgiven.
5. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant — The old covenant is shown to be inferior and limited, unable to perfect those who draw near to worship. The new covenant, in contrast, offers eternal inheritance and a personal relationship with God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main difference between the old and new covenants, according to Hebrews chapter 8?
2. How does Jesus' role as high priest and mediator of the new covenant relate to the true tabernacle in heaven?
3. What are the better promises of the new covenant, and how do they offer eternal inheritance to those who are called?
4. How does the old covenant's obsolescence relate to the new covenant's establishment on better promises?
5. What is the significance of Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice for our sins, and how does it relate to the new covenant?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Hebrews 8

	Sermon	Description
	Freedom From Sin by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of believers who find themselves addicted to sin despite their love for Jesus. He highlights the pervasive influence of sin in toda
	(Basics) 11. God's Word Helps Us Overcome Satan by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God no
	The Worms Shall Crawl Out of Their Holes by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of trust and confidence in various institutions, including the judicial system, school system, and even marriage. He highlights the p
	(Hebrews - Part 21): The Transcendental and Mystical by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Christian faith and the natural world. He argues that just as the Bible is a letter from God to his people, na
	(Hebrews - Part 20): The Majesty in the Heavens by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's existence. He argues that without God, our lives become meaningless and our longings fo
	(Hebrews - Part 23): Old Covenant Was Provisional by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit. He refers to the 7th chapter of Romans, where a holy man expresses his frustration wi
	(Basics) 16. Keeping the Tenth Commandment by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker explores the difference between being religious and being spiritual. They emphasize the importance of honesty as the first step towards true spiritualit
	A Much Better Way by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who became a prisoner of war during World War II. Zamperini endured unimaginable suffering
	The Call of God - the Call to Holiness by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who has been struggling with a lizard-like creature that represents a sinful desire. The man is torn between wanting to get r
	The Terms of the New Convenant by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His will in our lives. He compares it to starting a new job, where we must first under

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hebrews 8

In Hebrews chapter 8, we see the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant. Jesus is the mediator of this new covenant, and He has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. The true tabernacle in heaven is the reality, while the earthly tabernacle is only a shadow. The new covenant is established on better promises, offering eternal inheritance to those who are called. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The new covenant is a covenant of grace, and it is a covenant that brings us into a personal and intimate relationship with God.' We are encouraged to appreciate the better promises of the new covenant and to trust in Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. As Henry writes, 'The blood of Christ is the blood of the new covenant, and it is the blood that cleanses us from all sin.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?