Hebrews 8:6 But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant… In the promises there are these two things, the matter and the manner. As for matter and substance, the promises were all one in the Old and New Testament, that is Christ, and eternal salvation by Him. But ours in respect of the manner are better and excel theirs. 1. Their promises were included within the narrow compass of Judea; our promises are blazed all the world over. 2. Their promises were published by men, by the patriarchs, prophets, which were but servants; ours by Christ the Son of God. 3. They according to God's promise had the graces of the Spirit as we have, yet not in such abundant measure as they be now poured out in the time of the gospel. 4. Their promises were dark and obscure, covered under the veil of many ceremonies, and shadowed out by temporal things; our promises are more clear and evident. 5. Theirs were at the delivery of the law with a condition, "Do this and live. Cursed be he that continueth not in all things," &c. Ours "Believe and live." 6. The sacraments, whereby the promises were confirmed unto them, were more hard and difficult: the cutting off the foreskin, the preparing of a lamb for every house; ours are more easy and familiar: the sprinkling of a little water, or the dipping in the water, the procuring of bread and wine. 7. Their promises were of things to come: there should come a Lamb that should take away the sins of the world; ours are of things already come and exhibited. This Lamb is come, and hath offered up Himself on the altar of the cross for us. (W. Jones, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. |
    |