December 6, 2022 - Hebrews 7:19

“For the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19). Shedd: The writer wants his readers to feel the weakness of their old religion “and to show them that the only benefit which God intended by its establishment was to point men to the perfect and final religion of the Gospel.”

There are those who propose that, at the end of the age, the Jewish temple will be rebuilt and the sacrifices will be reestablished. The question that comes to mind is, “Why would those who rest in the gospel promises wish for this?” The priests offered daily sacrifices that did not take away sin; not only that, but those sacrifices must be repeated over and over. Again, Shedd: “Let us fix it, then, as a fact, that the feeling of culpability and unreconciliation can never be removed, so long as we do not look entirely away from our own character and works to the mere pure mercy of God in the blood of Christ.”

He lives! the great Redeemer lives!

What joy the blest assurance gives!

And now, before his Father, God,

Pleads the full merits of his blood.

Great Advocate, almighty Friend!

On him our humble hopes depend,

Our cause can never, never fail,

For Jesus pleads, and must prevail. -- Anne Steele (18th century)