Hebrews 8:6 But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant… I. THE GOSPEL-DISPENSATION UNDER WHICH WE LIVE IS PROPERLY A COVENANT. 1. What we are to understand by a covenant in general. 2. What by the covenant of grace in particular. 3. Illustrate two or three particular points which have created some doubts and difficulties in this subject. 4. Consider some of the peculiar titles and distinguishing properties of this covenant. II. JESUS CHRIST IS THE MEDIATOR OF THIS COVENANT. 1. The proper office of a mediator. 2. Christ's peculiar qualification for this high office of Mediator between God and man. 3. His accomplishment of it. 4. How admirably this constitution is founded in the Divine grace and wisdom. 5. What regards are due to Christ under this character of Mediator. (1) Does He not deserve and most justly claim all our love, our superlative and most ardent esteem? (2) What exalted honour, adoration, and praise are due from us to Him, who was so wonderfully qualified for this high office by the hypostatical or personal union of the Divine and human natures. (3) As Mediator of the new covenant, let us readily trust Him with all our spiritual and everlasting interests. (4) As our Mediator, we are humbly to seek to Him for that grace, which must make us meet for His salvation; for His awakening grace, to make us more sensible of our guilt and need of Him; for His quickening grace, to encourage, direct, and strengthen us in the way to eternal life. (5) As our Mediator, we are to perform every part of religious worship in His name. He is our way to the Father. III. THE GOSPEL DISPENSATION IS A BETTER COVENANT THAN THAT UNDER WHICH THE JEWS LIVED. 1. Because it contains better terms. Repentance, faith, and sincere obedience are called the terms of the covenant, not only because they are the requisites on which the promised blessings of the covenant are suspended, but because they are of themselves essentially necessary to qualify us to partake of them. 2. Because it affords better helps or assistances. (1) The method of worship under the gospel is more easy, rational, and spiritual. (2) The revelation we enjoy is more plain, full, and extensive. (3) The Divine aids offered to us are more particular, ample, and effectual. 3. Because it is founded on better promises. (1) Because they are the promises of better things; or the subjects of them are more excellent, sublime, and glorious. (2) The promises of the gospel are more plain, clear, and explicit than those of the legal covenant. (3) The promises of the gospel are not only more clear, but more numerous and extensive than those of the Jewish dispensation. (4) Another thing which gives the pre-eminence to the promises of our covenant, is that they are all ratified and confirmed to us in Christ, the Mediator of it. (John Mason, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. |
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