10 SEPTEMBER
The blood of the everlasting covenant
‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ Hebrews 13:20–21
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Hebrews 9:11–28
The manner—by the blood of the everlasting covenant. This covenant is the ‘covenant of grace,’ that better covenant of which Jesus is the Mediator. When the covenant of works was rendered useless, a new one is provided in which the Lord undertakes to do all (see 8:10). And this is everlasting and not that of Sinai. And the blessings are not temporal but everlasting blessings. The blood is the blood of Jesus, whereby the covenant is confirmed and valid. This blood is the foundation of all God’s dealings in a way of mercy. All the blessing shall be bestowed, because it is a covenant of blood. This blood is the sinner’s encouragement; it is, like the rainbow, a token of peace. Let us not fear to draw nigh, for though we are unworthy, we have the blood speaking for us. Herein is the apostle’s meaning. The value and efficacy of the blood was complete. Thereby the whole will of God was fully accomplished—the types and ceremonies of the old covenant fulfilled, a perfect atonement made for sin, and Christ having in and by his death done all. In virtue of his blood he is released from the grave, declared to be the Son of God and Saviour of men with power, and, as such, solemnly received and seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
FOR MEDITATION: These truths speak to his people:
(i) love: O how should we think of him.
(ii) security: He ever lives to plead for and protect his own.
(iii) gratitude: What shall we render! How shall we praise.
Let us love and sing and wonder,
He has quenched Mount Sinai’s flame:
Let us praise the Saviour’s name!
He has washed us with his blood,
He has hushed the Law’s loud thunder,
He has brought us nigh to GOD.
SERMON SERIES: HEBREWS 13:20–21, NO. 3 [2/2]
Milo 