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For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.¹

What law is spoken of here? What future hope of the good things is there? Why the need for perfection? Before creation God already had his plan in place. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form . . . And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, . . . And it was so.² In unison, God and the Spirit of God and the Word³ created. So God divulged himself as Creator. He likewise showed himself holy.⁴ Clearly, a holy God demanded perfection. Unfortunately, no one could attain perfection because he already was blemished. He introduced laws through Moses⁵ to ensure that man be made conscious of sin.⁶ Yet God had a future hope in store for man which was yet to be revealed.

What did God do? Since God is love⁷ he gifted man with the means to receive perfection not through the works of the law that he may be with God eternally. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoptions as sons.⁸And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.⁹ Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s promise. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. . . . God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.¹⁰ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.¹¹

Jesus was born, grew to maturity, was sacrificed on the cross, died, buried, resurrected, and ascended into heaven. Now, Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them form the transgressions committed under the first covenant.¹²

What should our response be? And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, . . .¹³ Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.¹⁴ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them . . . And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.¹⁵