Heralds Digest

"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6 NKJV) The old covenant is limited both in space and scope. Atonement for sin was a continuous exercise; and the access of the Forgiven to the presence of God was restricted. Whereas the new covenant is anchored on the once-and-for-all atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Unlike promises from earthly tabernacles, the Mediator of the new covenant sits on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. Without prejudice to the reasoning of aliens to the new covenants, the basis of the superiority of promises from heavenly High Priest over earthly promises is straight-forward.

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV) A good priest is readily available to intercede for his subject's sin before the throne of grace. Many of the old testament priests were dedicated to their callings as the harbor of salvation from the torment of tresgression. The only problem with the old testament priesthood is that no promise of protection was guaranteed beyond the life of the priest. Unlike the old covenant, Jesus' priesthood offers unlimited salvation because He lives forever to make intercession. Although Christ never promised a crisis-free parishioning, His declared cessation of crisis is never excalated beyond the authority of His priesthood.

"For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God." (Hebrews 7:19 NKJV) Religion provides the platform for the worship of God, whether known or unknown. The identity challenge is simplified by the worshippers of idols, made by wood, stone, or any artifact made by hands. Although many would readily query the sense in the worship of the work of one's hands (which is even the most common practice, like the worship of wealth, properties, possessions, etc), there is also no wisdom in the worship of an unknown God. Only faith in the sacrifice made by God himself removes the gap between man and his Creator. Therefore, hope of a lively relationship with God is better than a mere religious obligation.

"And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:15 NKJV) Giving up is easy to be excused in our fast-paced world. Unlike Abraham, time is more significant to many believers than the character and charisma of God. Yet, God's word and promises are independent of time, infallible in space, and immutable with circumstances. Therefore, the fulfillment of God's promises only depend on the endurance of the potential receivers of the promise. It is more profitable to excuse time, and wait upon God rather than men.

"That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV) Unless every man's eyes are set on the undoubted fulfillment of the promises at the end of his race, it is almost certain he would be running for something else, if at all he remains in the race. Heaven is the least of the promises to the saints of God; but every saint of God is called and empowered to run a special race toward a specific target in every area of life. Although God's grace is always sufficient for every runner in the race, it is inadequate for anyone who chose to embark on another fellow's race. In order to avoid sluggishness and frustration, special grace for specific race needs faith and patience. Without absolute reliance on the influence of the Spirit of God, life's promises are often forfeited at the threshold of their fulfillments.

"But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV) Irrespective of the sphere of consideration, from physical, emotional, economical to spiritual, challenge in any of these spheres is not necessarily an evidence of under-development. And an adept attitude to challenges is indicative of the distinctive path to maturity. If it is widely acknowledged that uneasy heads wear the crown, it is instructive that progress in life must come with pain. Where challenges of life may pose as problems to narrow-minded people, they actually present opportunities to progressive minds. The discerning of good from apparent evil experiences appears uncomplicated with progressive sense.

"[Jesus]...though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8 NKJV) Son-ship is mostly a reserved status before any father by the consistent forthrightness of a child, rather than through a birthright claim. Being the root of all sins, disobedience has robbed all men from their expected relationship with the heavenly Father. However, without any loss of His son-ship status, Jesus offered to learn obedience in order to demonstrate to all the value of son-ship. While birthright claim is unprotected, son-ship based on total obedience to the will of the Father is the only protected status.