Hebrews 9:15-17

Summary retelling of Hebrews 9:15-17

Through His death, Jesus Christ is the mediator of the second covenant.  Those covered by His death can receive an eternal inheritance in the second covenant knowing that their transgressions according to the first covenant are redeemed.  For example, think about a legal will.  In order for a person’s will to come into effect, the person must first die.  In the same way, each of the covenants with God is inaugurated through death.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The word mediator is a very interesting word in this passage.  It literally means “One who helps two parties come to an agreement.”  Of course, that’s exactly what a mediator does.  However, what is interesting is how this applies to our spirituality.  The “two parties” that Christ helps come to an agreement are God and human beings.  God demands righteousness, which we as human beings cannot give.  Human beings need forgiveness, which God can provide but only through atonement.  Christ brings atonement on our behalf so that we can be forgiven; He brings atonement so that we can be righteous and acceptable to God.  Literally, Christ is the mediator and doing far more than a mediator typically does.  It is Christ who Himself satisfies the needs of both parties.

Do you really believe Christ did it all?  Can you explain this idea to another person?

Second Thought:

 Again we see the author of Hebrews’ perspective on how each of the covenants work.  We see that the first covenant points out our transgressions.  The first covenant tells us where we have transgressed.  The first covenant shows us why we need someone like Jesus Christ to die for our sake.  The second covenant is brought about through Jesus death.  The second covenant resolves the transgressions of the first covenant and then extends an inheritance of eternal salvation to those under the second covenant with God.

Given what the author says here, does it make sense to believe that anyone can be saved through the first covenant?  Is the point of the first covenant even to save?  If  not, why do people try and believe that it is possible to be saved through the Law?  If we can’t be saved through the Law, what is the point of being obedient, then?

Third Thought:

At the end of this passage we have a bit of a confusing shift in topic when the author speaks about wills.  If you think about it, a will is just a specific type of covenant that comes into effect when a person dies and they can no longer act out their desires themselves.  After the person dies, their estate is handled according to their wishes.  In a sense, this is what happens with Christ.  When Christ died, His estate – which had been given to Him by God – is handled according to His desire.  That is, forgiveness is extended to mankind and salvation is given to all who genuinely receive it.

Have you ever thought of Jesus’ death as an event which makes His “will” take effect?  Does it make sense to think of salvation as His estate which is handed our as an inheritance to those who are a part of His family like we would see in a will?  Why can this be a helpful analogy in explaining why Jesus had to die and how we receive salvation?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 9:18-22