Shadow and Substance (Hebrews 8:1-13)

In contrast, Christ, our Great High Priest, brings fulfillment and strength. Unlike the priests who labored endlessly, Christ’s work is complete, declaring “It is finished!” at the cross. His once-for-all sacrifice resolves the frailty of repeated offerings and covers the constant and total human failure. Where the old covenant was limited, Christ’s ministry is boundless, offering the substance of redemption, not just its shadow. And in Him, we truly “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
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The new covenant, sealed in Christ’s blood, and fulfilled by His taking of full responsibility, empowers believers through the Holy Spirit, who writes God’s law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31). This transforms us from covenant-breakers into a people who delight in God’s law. Our obedience, and ability to do it, flows not from duty but from a greater affection for Christ. This new power enables us to fight temptation, not as a struggle between obligations, but through the Spirit’s strength and ministry.
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And in contrast to the weakness of the flesh, which plagues us with fatigue and doubt, when God calls us to obedience, repentance, or trust, He also equips us to respond faithfully. Though the path may be challenging, we can be assured of this: when He calls, we can follow where He leads. In other words, God isn’t calling you to things that you can’t do. Empowered by the Spirit, we live and love as Christ leads, confident in His enabling grace.

Are you reluctant to follow God in some ways?
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Perhaps repentance and the giving up of something seems too hard, though you know Christ is calling you to it.
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Are you waiting on obedience for another time, a time when you think it will be easier? You who live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). When He calls, don’t drag your feet on this ministry to you. Keep up, the hard road ahead has been made smooth by the Priest who goes before us.