“The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:18-19
The former regulation that the author talks of here is the Mosaic Law–the Old Testament Laws and Regulations. This Law was very good at pointing out the sins in a person’s life. It was also very cut and dry–if you do this sin–you die. Throughout all the Old Testament laws one is told of all the things he must not do and all the ceremonies he must do. If any one of these things were not upheld perfectly he would be guilty of breaking the law and then was punished by death. No man is able to obey every law all the time because of the sinful nature in him.
Here the author talks about this law being weak and useless because all it did was point out sins and brought about death. The Law was unable to make a person perfect. For this very reason a better hope was brought about. This hope was salvation in Jesus. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus every person can have forgiveness and be given life. It is only through Jesus that we can draw near to God with confidence that He will not destroy us. In the Old Testament the high priest went before the Ark of the Covenant with much fear of dying because of sin.
Today we do not have to have that fear because Jesus takes away our sins. Jesus brings us forgiveness and life–a much better hope. Today do not look at just what you should do or not do to be a Christian. That is the way the people were in the Old Testament trying to follow the Law. Look at having a relationship with God through Jesus. Our attitudes should not be to not do something out of fear of getting destroyed, but should be not doing something out of love for God and not wanting to hurt Him. You can have more joy and peace in following God because of love for Him than you can with following Him only out of fear of punishment.
I pray that today you will know the hope that is found in Jesus; that you will serve God because of a relationship with Him, not out of fear; that God will draw you nearer to Him than ever before; and that God will give you new strength in following Him.
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