November 13, 2023 - Hebrews 8-10

The writer of Hebrews continues to contrast the ministry of Jesus, our eternal High Priest, with the ministries that preceded him. The writer concludes, “Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises” (8:6) & “He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant” (9:15) & “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (10:10). These words come to mind:

Man of Sorrows! What a name

for the Son of God, who came

ruined sinners to reclaim.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

in my place condemned he stood;

sealed my pardon with his blood.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;

spotless Lamb of God was he;

full atonement can it be?

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was he to die;

“It is finished!” was his cry;

now in heaven exalted high.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When he comes, our glorious King,

all his ransomed home to bring,

then anew this song we'll sing:

Hallelujah! What a Savior! -- P. P. Bliss (1875)