The Better Covenant’s Light

David desired to build a house for God, yet God answered by promising a house, a kingdom, and a throne that would stand forever. The promise was not fulfilled in Solomon’s fading glory, but in Christ, the true King and Priest. As Justin says, “and I will establish Him in my house, and in His kingdom for ever.’ And Ezekiel says, ‘There shall be no other prince in the house but He.’ For He is the chosen Priest and eternal King, the Christ, inasmuch as He is the Son of God;” Hebrews shows this same Lord now seated at the right hand of Majesty, ministering in the true sanctuary, and mediating a better covenant.

Therefore the law is not cast aside as though God had ceased to care how men live. Rather, the covenant is made better because it writes God’s laws upon the heart and brings men near to obedience. “The good commandment, then, according to the Scripture, is a lamp, and the law is a light to the path; for instruction corrects the ways of life.” The fault of the former covenant was not in God’s word, but in us, because the people did not continue in it.

So today’s warning is plain. Do not bind yourself rashly by your mouth. Do not sleep in sloth while ruin approaches. Do not sow discord. Do not approach another man’s wife and think you will go unburned. The better covenant does not excuse such deeds; it condemns them more sharply, because now the Priest reigns and the law is written within. If Christ has become our King, let His subjects be known by clean hands, truthful speech, chastity, diligence, and peaceable conduct.