An old washboard sat on the mantel of our former log home. Its purpose was decorative, but in the past a washboard was used to wash a pile of dirty clothes. I’m glad I never had to do my laundry that way! A person would need a lot of elbow grease, not to mention the possibility of fingers and knuckles being scraped raw.
Compare the new generation high-efficiency washing machines, which are an improvement to even regular automatic washers. Sensors in the machine allow you to adjust water levels, water temperature, and even the intensity of the spin. Since the clothes in this new washer tumble and rotate for a longer time, you need much less less water to get them clean. You need less of the special detergents formulated for high-efficiency washers. Some people might still use washboards, or even the old-fashioned wringer washers, but, oh, how much more effective is the new generation high-efficiency washing machine!
Similarly, the New Covenant as described in Hebrews 8:6-13 is so much better than the Old Covenant. God promised Abraham land, countless descendants, and blessing and future redemption. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, and the priests would offer yearly animal sacrifices in the tabernacle, and later in the temple, for the atonement of the people’s sins. “If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.” (Hebrews 8:7 NLT)
Through the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we now have a far superior covenant. “But this is the new covenant I will make…says the LORD.” (Hebrews 8:10 NLT) “I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Hebrews 8: 10 NLT) Through the Holy Spirit who indwells us who are believers, we have an intimate relationship with God. He is always with us, and helps us to be more like Jesus.
How is this new covenant superior? In the past, animal sacrifices had to be repeated over and over. They merely covered the people’s sins, and temporarily eased their guilt. Jesus Christ had to die, shedding His blood, only once to remove our sins. When Jesus cleansed us from our sins, He said, “It is finished.” He didn’t have to offer himself over and over again.
We can ask forgiveness for sins as we commit them, but God will always forgive them, on the basis of Jesus’ perfect “sacrifice that atones for our sin” .(I John 2:2 NLT) God’s forgiveness is freely given. Under the old system, sins were remembered every year. Under the new covenant, the LORD says, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” (Hebrews 8: 12 NLT)
That is a wonderful Easter message.
Alice Burnett
Red Deer, AB, Canada
