How does Hebrews 9:17 illustrate the necessity of Christ's death for the covenant? Setting the Scene: Covenant and Will - In Scripture, the same Greek word (diathēkē) can mean both “covenant” and “will/testament.” - A covenant is God’s binding agreement; a will describes how an inheritance is transferred. - Hebrews 9 purposely blends these ideas to show how God’s New Covenant functions like a will: benefits are released only after the death of the one who made it. Hebrews 9:17 in Focus “For a will is in force only after the one who made it has died; it is not valid while he is still alive.” Why Death Is Essential to the Covenant - Legal Activation • Just as an earthly will is executed only after the testator’s death, the New Covenant required the death of its Maker—Christ—before its promises could take effect. - Payment for Sin • “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Death settles the legal penalty sin incurs. - Blood Ratification • “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Blood signifies life given in place of another, sealing the covenant. - Fulfillment of Prophecy • Isaiah 53:5–6 foretold a suffering Servant whose death would secure peace and healing. • Jeremiah 31:31–34 promised a New Covenant of forgiven sin; Christ’s death makes that promise operative. Christ Fulfills the Requirement - Luke 22:20—“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.” - 1 Corinthians 11:25 echoes the same at the Lord’s Supper, linking His death to covenant inauguration. - By dying, Jesus both satisfies divine justice and unlocks the inheritance: forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. Old Testament Shadows - Exodus 24:8—Moses sprinkled blood and said, “This is the blood of the covenant.” That ceremony prefigured a greater, once-for-all sprinkling by Christ. - Leviticus 17:11—Life is in the blood; God gave blood “to make atonement for your souls.” The pattern holds: no covenant blessing without a life laid down. The New Covenant Unlocked Because Christ died, believers now enjoy: 1. Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 10:17). 2. Direct access to God (Hebrews 10:19–22). 3. An eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:3–4). 4. The indwelling Spirit who writes God’s law on our hearts (Hebrews 10:16; Ezekiel 36:26–27). Living in the Benefits - Rest confidently—Christ’s death has already activated every promise. - Draw near boldly—access is open, the veil torn (Hebrews 10:20). - Walk in obedience—God’s Spirit empowers a new heart to keep His covenant commands. |
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