New and Improved!

New and improved! This claim guides the marketing strategy of countless products, inventions and devices. From a breakfast cereal to a smart phone, companies must continually look for ways to improve their product to stay current and appeal to more and more consumers.

The new and improved priesthood and covenant in Scripture is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. Actually, it is not new and improved, it is the best and perfect plan. The law given to the Israelites, its weekly and yearly sacrifices, its perpetuation of human separation from God, was not sufficient. Jesus’ death on the cross, his forgiveness and the hope of eternal life is perfect.

The tabernacle set up in the desert by the Israelites, was incredible. It was where Moses would meet with the presence of God. However, all the elements in the tabernacle were just a copy or a type of the true tabernacle, heaven and the throne of God.

The old covenant given to Moses for the Hebrews never redeemed humans to God. Only a few high priests could enter the Most Holy Place and be in the presence of God. Now, in Christ, we are all given access to the throne of God. In His forgiveness and righteousness, we are in the Presence of God forever.

Jesus describes this best to his disciples in John 15:14-15 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

Under the law, the Hebrews were only allowed to serve God from a distance. Now, under the new covenant, under the priesthood of Jesus we are called the friends of God. We are no longer separated from God, and through Jesus, His Word and His Holy Spirit, we can communicate with God at every moment.

New and Improved: no longer the servants who are unable to approach the Master, you are a friend of God!

Do you know Him?

Blessings,
Robert Furrow