Chapter 8:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Philemon James
Hebrews 8
Concise Complete
The excellence of Christ's priesthood above that of
Aaron is shown. (1-6) The great excellence of the new covenant above the former.
(7-13)
Verses 1-6 The
substance, or summary, of what had been declared was, that Christians had such a
High Priest as they needed. He took upon himself human nature, appeared on
earth, and there gave himself as a sacrifice to God for the sins of his people.
We must not dare to approach God, or to present any thing to him, but in and
through Christ, depending upon his merits and mediation; for we are accepted
only in the Beloved. In all obedience and worship, we should keep close to God's
word, which is the only and perfect standard. Christ is the substance and end of
the law of righteousness. But the covenant here referred to, was that made with
Israel as a nation, securing temporal benefits to them. The promises of all
spiritual blessings, and of eternal life, revealed in the gospel, and made sure
through Christ, are of infinitely greater value. Let us bless God that we have a
High Priest that suits our helpless condition.
Verses 7-13 The
superior excellence of the priesthood of Christ, above that of Aaron, is shown
from that covenant of grace, of which Christ was Mediator. The law not only made
all subject to it, liable to be condemned for the guilt of sin, but also was
unable to remove that guilt, and clear the conscience from the sense and terror
of it. Whereas, by the blood of Christ, a full remission of sins was provided,
so that God would remember them no more. God once wrote his laws to his people,
now he will write his laws in them; he will give them understanding to know and
to believe his laws; he will give them memories to retain them; he will give
them hearts to love them, courage to profess them, and power to put them in
practice. This is the foundation of the covenant; and when this is laid, duty
will be done wisely, sincerely, readily, easily, resolutely, constantly, and
with comfort. A plentiful outpouring of the Spirit of God will make the
ministration of the gospel so effectual, that there shall be a mighty increase
and spreading of Christian knowledge in persons of all sorts. Oh that this
promise might be fulfilled in our days, that the hand of God may be with his
ministers so that great numbers may believe, and be turned to the Lord! The
pardon of sin will always be found to accompany the true knowledge of God.
Notice the freeness of this pardon; its fulness; its fixedness. This pardoning
mercy is connected with all other spiritual mercies: unpardoned sin hinders
mercy, and pulls down judgments; but the pardon of sin prevents judgment, and
opens a wide door to all spiritual blessings. Let us search whether we are
taught by the Holy Spirit to know Christ, so as uprightly to love, fear, trust,
and obey him. All worldly vanities, outward privileges, or mere notions of
religion, will soon vanish away, and leave those who trust in them miserable for
ever.
Chapter 8:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Philemon James
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
