Hebrews 7:19
For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did: by the which wee draw nigh vnto God. Hebrews 7:19 (KJV)
Context: The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were facing persecution and struggling with the tension between their old religious practices and their newfound faith in Jesus Christ. The author presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest who offers a better covenant and a better hope than the Old Testament system of priests and sacrifices.
The insufficiency of the law:
The verse begins by stating that the law made nothing perfect. Referring to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, it served as a temporary and incomplete means of approaching God. It highlighted human sinfulness and the need for a Savior, but it could not provide ultimate perfection or salvation.
The introduction of a better hope:
The verse continues by emphasizing that a better hope has been brought in. This better hope refers to Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established through His death and resurrection. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the ultimate solution to humanity’s sin problem.
Drawing near to God:
The verse concludes by stating that through this better hope we are able to draw near to God. In the Old Testament, access to God was primarily mediated through the priesthood and the sacrificial system. Jesus, as the perfect high priest, has made a way for all believers to have direct access to God. Through faith in Jesus we can approach God with confidence and enjoy a personal relationship with Him.
Implications for believers:
This verse highlights the superiority of the new covenant in Christ compared to the old covenant of the law. It emphasizes that our hope and assurance of salvation are not based on our ability to perfectly keep the law but on Jesus’ finished work on the cross. As believers we can find comfort and confidence in the fact that Jesus has made a way for us to draw near to God and experience His love, forgiveness, and grace.
