Context No. 3199 of 4322 · Hebrews

Hebrews 7:18-22: in context

18For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath 21(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’” 22By so much, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

The writer to the Hebrews says the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless; the law made nothing perfect. In its place a better hope is introduced, through which we actually draw near to God. And Jesus was made a priest not without an oath, for God swore: the Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, you are a priest forever.

The whole argument is about something better. The old law and priesthood could not make anyone perfect or truly bring them near to God; they were weak. But in Christ a better hope is introduced, one that really does let us draw near. And Jesus' priesthood is sealed by God's own oath, the Lord has sworn and will not change his mind. Because of that oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant, one that does what the old could not. Everything about the new is better, better hope, better priest, better covenant, and its foundation is God's own unbreakable oath.

Do I rest in the better hope and better covenant guaranteed by Christ, drawing near to God through him rather than through my own efforts to be perfect?

Sources

Hebrews 7:19: "For the law made nothing perfect... and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."
Hebrews 7:22: "By so much, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."
Hebrews 4:16: "Let's therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace."