How does Hebrews 7:18 highlight the limitations of the old covenant law? Verse in Focus “So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless.” (Hebrews 7:18) What Is the “Former Commandment”? • Refers to the Mosaic law as a system, especially its priestly regulations (Exodus 28–29; Leviticus 16) • Encompasses sacrifices, dietary restrictions, ceremonial washings, and Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:11) • Was divinely given and served a real purpose, yet it was never intended to be the final word (Galatians 3:19, 24) Two Descriptive Words That Expose the Limitation • Weak: lacking the power to change the human heart or conquer sin (Romans 8:3) • Useless: unable to bring sinners to perfection or lasting fellowship with God (Hebrews 7:19; 10:1) Why the Old Covenant Law Fell Short • Never perfected anyone—only highlighted guilt (Hebrews 10:2–4) • Depended on fallible human priests who themselves needed sacrifice (Hebrews 7:23, 27) • Addressed outward behavior but could not impart new life (2 Corinthians 3:7–8) • Served as a temporary “guardian” until Christ came (Galatians 3:24–25) • Could not grant bold, unrestricted access to God’s presence (Hebrews 9:7–8) Supporting Witnesses in Scripture • Hebrews 7:19: “for the law made nothing perfect” • Hebrews 8:7: “For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second.” • Hebrews 10:1: “The law is only a shadow of the good things to come.” • Romans 3:20: “Through the law we become conscious of sin.” • Romans 8:3: “What the law was powerless to do… God did by sending His own Son.” The Better Solution Introduced in Context • A superior, indestructible priesthood—Jesus “has become a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:16–17) • A better hope—“through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19) • A once-for-all sacrifice that truly cleanses the conscience (Hebrews 9:14; 10:10) • A covenant written on hearts, not stone tablets (Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:33) Key Takeaways for Today • Rely on Christ’s finished work, not personal rule-keeping, for acceptance with God • Worship with confidence, knowing the barrier that law exposed has been removed (Hebrews 4:16) • Value the law’s revelatory role but refuse to place hope in what it was never designed to accomplish • Live in the freedom and power of the new covenant, empowered by the Spirit to fulfill God’s righteous requirements (Romans 8:4) |
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