Scripture

For the law never made anything perfect. But now, we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Observation

The perfection which God required could not be achieved under the old priesthood of Levi. Instead, God instituted a different priesthood with a priest in the order of Melchizedek.

If the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed. Our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, and the law of Moses never mentioned priests from that tribe.

Jesus became a priest, not by belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by having a life that cannot be destroyed. The old law never made anything perfect, but we now draw close to God through our great high priest.

Application

The law of Moses could not make a person perfect. Like any law, all it could do is tell you what to do and warn of a consequence if you did not do it.

In Christ we have a better hope, a better priesthood. He is making us perfect and he opens the way for us to draw close to God .

Firstly, Jesus declares that our sins are forgiven. There is no punishment, or fear of punishment, where there is no trespass. If the judge declares that we have not broken the law, we will not be punished.

Secondly, the sin that separates us from God is removed. Therefore, I can enter into God’s presence at any time. Under the old covenant, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only once per year. We can enter God’s dwelling place at any time.

Thirdly, the Holy Spirit is transforming us to be perfect. This will not be completed in this life, but every day, as we seek to follow Jesus, the image of God in our souls is being restored.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that you are making me perfect and sinless. Amen.