Hebrews 7:18-19 (ESV)
For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Hebrews is a hard letter to read. It is filled with illustrations from the Old Testament, mentions of covenants and sacrifices, the priesthood and people like Melchizedek, king of Salem. On top of these profound topics, we get something like the above verse. The writer of Hebrews is comparing the Law to Grace. The former commandment that is mentioned is the Law, the Ten Commandments, the entire first five books of the Old Testament. That is the former commandment that is being referred to. He is stating that the Law had a purpose but it could never make someone perfect. But now we have a better hope by which the barrier of sin is taken away and we can, with confidence, draw near to God. That is the message of Hebrews. Yes, it is tough to understand these OT references, especially as Gentiles who have no familiarity of these ancient passages. But we can understand the concept of a better hope that is introduced by the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all these Old Testament pictures and events and people. Jesus Christ is Melchizedek (He had to beginning or end). Jesus came to fulfill the Law and give it purpose. It was given to us so that we can know we can’t keep it. We needed someone to come and fulfill it for us and therefore represent us. That is our blessed and better hope. We rejoice in Christ being the completion (making perfect the Law) of all God demands in us. Jesus did it for us. That is a better hope.
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