We are looking this week at the “better things” we enjoy under the dispensation of Christ, especially when compared with the Mosaic Dispensation.  We have a better covenant, a better sacrifice, and a better High Priest; in fact, we have a better priesthood altogether.  This leads to a fourth thing that we have that is better.

We have a better hope.

Hebrews 7:18-19 (ESV)
¹⁸ For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness ¹⁹ (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

While heaven is our ultimate hope, this better hope refers to the confidence we have to draw near to God under this present dispensation.  Under the old dispensation, they relied on the blood of bulls and goats to be in favor with God.  We rely on the blood of Jesus.

Hebrews 9:13-14 (ESV)
¹³ For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

As we have seen this week, the blood of Christ does not just move sin forward; it removes it completely, making drawing near to God something we can do boldly and with confident expectation.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

While those under the old law relied on perfect law keeping, putting their faith in saving themselves, we rely on the mercy of God to save us based on the sinless sacrifice of our Savior.

Romans 9:30–32 (ESV)
³⁰ What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; ³¹ but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. ³² Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone.

Hope that is based on the willingness of God to forgive our iniquities and cover our sins (Romans 4:6-7), rather than on never sinning in the first place, which is what the Law demanded, is far better.  Our hope is an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19), giving us confidence that we will one day enter within the curtain, that is, heaven itself, and be with the Lord forever.      

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.