How does Hebrews 9:16 illustrate the necessity of Christ's death for the covenant? The Heart of the Passage Hebrews 9:16: “In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it.” A Covenant That Functions Like a Will • The Greek term diathēkē can mean both “covenant” and “will.” • A will takes effect only after the testator dies; until then, the beneficiaries have no legal claim. • Likewise, a covenant sealed with blood requires the death of a representative party before its blessings can be released. Old Covenant Shadows • Exodus 24:8—Moses “sprinkled the blood” and said, “This is the blood of the covenant.” The animal deaths pointed ahead to a greater sacrifice. • Leviticus 17:11—“For the life of the flesh is in the blood … it is the blood that makes atonement.” • The repeated sacrifices underscored an unmet need: a final, sufficient death. Why Christ Had to Die • Hebrews 9:17—“A will is in force only after the one who made it has died.” The very next verse confirms that principle. • Luke 22:20—Jesus: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.” • Without Christ’s death, the New Covenant promises— forgiveness (Jeremiah 31:34), new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26), and eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15)—would remain unopened. • Only His death could satisfy divine justice (Romans 3:25–26) and unleash divine grace (Ephesians 1:7). How Christ’s Death Unlocks the Covenant Benefits 1. Legal validation – Colossians 2:14—He “canceled the record of debt … nailing it to the cross.” 2. Cleansing power – 1 John 1:7—“The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 3. Permanent mediation – Hebrews 9:24—He appears “in God’s presence for us,” securing ongoing access. 4. Guaranteed inheritance – 1 Peter 1:4—An “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven.” From Shadow to Substance • Animal blood = temporary cover. • Christ’s blood = once-for-all payment (Hebrews 10:10). • Result: the New Covenant is irrevocably in force; nothing further needs to die. Living in the Reality • Approach God confidently (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Hold fast the hope promised (Hebrews 10:23). • Serve with grateful hearts, for the covenant has been ratified and the inheritance is ours now and forever. |
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