What is the meaning of Hebrews 9:15? Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant “Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 9:15) • A mediator stands between two parties to bring reconciliation. Jesus does this perfectly, fulfilling Job’s yearning for “an arbiter” (Job 9:33) and Paul’s confirmation that “there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • The phrase “new covenant” echoes Jeremiah 31:31–34, which promised a covenant written on hearts, not stone. Hebrews 8:6 has already declared that Jesus “has obtained a more excellent ministry” because He mediates “a better covenant, which is established on better promises.” • Unlike Moses, who mediated a covenant sealed by animal blood (Exodus 24:8), Christ mediates through His own blood (Luke 22:20). so that those who are called • “Those who are called” highlights God’s gracious initiative. Romans 8:30 links calling with justification and glorification, underscoring its effectiveness. • Jesus’ voice draws His sheep by name (John 10:3–4). The call is not merely an invitation; it is powerful to awaken faith (1 Corinthians 1:9). • This phrase reassures believers that their salvation rests on God’s action, not their merit (Ephesians 2:8–9). may receive the promised eternal inheritance • An “inheritance” points to family status. Through faith in Christ we become “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). • It is “promised,” guaranteed by God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). The Old Testament foreshadowed it in Israel’s land, yet Christ offers something far greater—“an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). • “Eternal” stresses permanence. Earthly inheritances can vanish; ours is secured “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5). now that He has died • A covenant takes effect through death (Hebrews 9:16–17). Christ’s sacrificial death is the hinge between promise and possession. • His death fulfills the typology of Passover (Exodus 12:13; 1 Corinthians 5:7) and Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:7). • Jesus voluntarily laid down His life (John 10:17–18), accomplishing what repeated animal sacrifices never could (Hebrews 10:4). to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant • “Redeem” means to purchase freedom. Christ pays the price, echoing Isaiah 53:5 and fulfilling Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.” • The “transgressions” refer to violations of God’s law given through Moses. While the law exposed sin (Romans 3:20), it could not remove guilt; only Christ’s blood does (Hebrews 10:11–14). • By covering sins “committed under the first covenant,” Jesus’ work bridges both eras, saving saints before and after the cross (Romans 3:25-26). summary Hebrews 9:15 presents a sweeping gospel panorama: Jesus steps in as the unique mediator, inaugurating the prophesied new covenant. God effectually calls believers so we may receive an imperishable inheritance. Christ’s death activates the covenant and secures redemption from every breach of God’s law, past or present. The verse assures us that our salvation is rooted in Christ’s finished work, guaranteed by God’s promise, and results in eternal life with Him. |
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