“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.”– Hebrews 7:22 (KJV)
“Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.”– Hebrews 7:22 (NLT)
“This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better covenant.”– Hebrews 7:22 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 7:22 Mean?
Hebrews 7:22 speaks about Jesus and His role in establishing a new covenant, one that is far superior to the old covenant. To understand this, we must first think about the significance of covenants in the Bible. A covenant is essentially an agreement or promise between two parties, and in biblical terms, between God and His people. The old covenant, which was made through Moses and the law, was good. However, it was limited because it was based on the people’s ability to follow the law perfectly.
When the writer of Hebrews discusses Jesus as the “surety” of this new testament, it means He is the one who guarantees the covenant’s truthfulness and effectiveness. Jesus, being both God and man, fulfills the requirements of the law perfectly and thus offers a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. This is what makes the new covenant so much better. Under this new covenant, we are no longer bound by the law’s requirements; rather, we receive grace through faith in Jesus. This means that our relationship with God is secure, primarily because of Jesus, rather than our ability to keep laws. Isn’t this comforting? We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us.
Hebrews 7:22 Explanation and Commentary
Jesus is often referred to as the High Priest, and this title carries immense significance. In the Old Testament, priests were mediators between God and His people, performing sacrificial duties to atone for the sins of the people. However, the high priests were mere men who, despite their best intentions, were flawed and required atonement for their own sins. Jesus, however, is uniquely positioned as our High Priest because He is without sin.
The “better covenant” alluded to in this verse is based on Hebrews 8:6, which states that Jesus serves as the High Priest of a more excellent ministry. Unlike the old covenant, which depended on continuous sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself as a single sacrifice, once and for all. This sacrifice accomplished what the law could never do—truly cleanse and renew our hearts.
It’s essential to grasp that through Jesus, we receive something incredibly precious: the assurance of salvation. Jesus stands as the mediator of a new relationship between us and God. He mediates for us, ensuring that we can approach God’s throne of grace with boldness. Through Him, we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live according to the new covenant’s principles. This is a promise we can cling to because it is rooted not in our actions, but in Christ’s work.
Understanding how Jesus fits into this context can be reassuring. When we struggle with feelings of inadequacy or doubt, we can reflect on the secure nature of our covenant with God. Our standing with Him does not rely on our perfection, but on Christ’s perfect sacrifice. This truth should inspire us to live lives that reflect gratitude and worship.
Context of Hebrews 7:22
The context of Hebrews 7:22 is crucial to our understanding. The entire chapter focuses on presenting Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, drawing comparisons between Him and the Levitical priests of the Old Testament. The author refers to the order of Melchizedek, indicating a priesthood that precedes and surpasses the Levitical order.
Before this verse, we read about Melchizedek, whom Abraham encountered. Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, which was unusual and significant. He serves as a type of Christ, illustrating that Jesus’s priesthood is superior to the traditional Jewish priesthood. The Levitical priests were limited in their ability to mediate due to their mortality and their need for their own sacrifices. In contrast, Jesus, as eternal, serves as a perfect and everlasting High Priest.
The Jewish audience who first read this letter would have a profound appreciation for their heritage and the covenant that came through Moses. Yet, the writer emphasizes that in Jesus, we have something far greater. This highlights the transformative power of faith in Jesus, showing that through Him, all barriers are removed and a new relationship is forged.
This context reassures us that faith in Jesus isn’t just about abandoning old ways; it’s about embracing a radically new relationship with God. It invites us to reflect on our faith and recognize that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout history. When we grasp this, we can approach each day with a sense of security and hope in Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 7:22
The phrase “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament” has layers that deserve careful unpacking.
First, terming Jesus as the “surety” implies that He is our guarantor. Just as someone might co-sign a loan by providing the lender with assurance that the borrower will repay, Jesus stands in this role with God for us. His life and sacrifice affirm the promises made to us as believers.
Next, the term “better testament” signifies that the covenant through Jesus goes beyond what was available in the Old Testament. It nullifies the limitations of the Old Covenant whereby adherence to the law was paramount. This means we are invited into a relationship based on grace rather than performance. Isn’t it amazing to know that Jesus already worked on our behalf? We don’t have to navigate the journey to God by ourselves. Jesus’s sacrifice allows us this wondrous opportunity.
Understanding the actions and mindset of Jesus as our surety invites us to self-reflect. We can think about how He upholds our place in God’s family and makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34 tells us that Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding for us. Consider the beauty in such a truth! Knowing someone is advocating for our good gives us immense peace. When life gets overwhelming, we can recall that Jesus is actively promoting our well-being in the heavenly realm.
In conclusion, every part of Hebrews 7:22 connects us to the heart of the Gospel message. Jesus upfront assures us of God’s love and fidelity. With this perspective, we can walk boldly in our faith, encouraged by what He has accomplished for us.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 7:22
Hebrews 7:22 is rich with valuable lessons that we can apply to our lives today.
Firstly, this verse reminds us of the importance of our faith in Jesus as our High Priest. We may encounter difficult times, but knowing that Jesus stands in our corner offers immense comfort. He guarantees a relationship with God based on grace, assuring us of His love. We should cultivate a deep appreciation for the guarantee of our faith in response to such grace.
Secondly, accepting Jesus as the surety of the new covenant invites us to let go of striving for perfection. Instead of focusing solely on our shortcomings, we should center our hearts on Jesus and the fullness of His sacrifice. This shift allows us to see the value of repentance, not as a chore, but as a gift that leads to restoration and deeper intimacy with God. Remember, we do not have to earn our way into His good graces; it’s a gift!
Another lesson worth noting is the invitation to approach God confidently. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to draw near to God boldly, knowing we can obtain mercy and grace. This relationship is foundational to living out our faith in a way that isn’t limited by fear or shame. We need to recognize that God loves us deeply, just as we are, and desires genuine connection.
Lastly, we are called to share the message of this new covenant with others. The promise of grace and the love found in Jesus isn’t something to hoard; it is meant to be declared to the world! As believers, we should strive to live our lives as a testament of this wondrous truth. We can be vessels for sharing the hope and joy that comes through knowing Christ.
Final Thoughts
In contemplating Hebrews 7:22, we find not only assurance but empowerment for ourselves and those around us. The new covenant facilitated by Jesus is a gift rooted in love, and this should shape how we see ourselves and others. Let us embrace this truth and commit to approaching God with confidence, knowing Jesus stands with us. As we do so, may we also reach out to spread this hope to the world. Let us uplift one another and walk in the love that Christ has shown us, knowing that He is indeed our surety. If you want to explore more about other characters in the Bible, such as Samuel, or the teachings in specific letters like 1 Corinthians 13, I encourage you to continue learning and growing in this journey of faith.