In this message, Pastor Ben describes the three pillars of a better hope that only Jesus can bring. 1. Access to God through Christ 2. Christ guarantees the New Covenant 3. He can save completely
Sermon: The Pillars of Our Better Hope
Good morning, brothers and sisters! This is the day the Lord has made—let us rejoice and be glad in it. It’s a privilege to stand before you again, entrusted with the pulpit for a second week. We’ve been journeying through the book of Hebrews, and a word you’ve likely heard often is better—a better priest than Moses, better than Aaron, better than angels. I pray you’re not weary of it, because today we’ll explore why better matters. It matters because the better One, Jesus Christ, accomplishes what no one else can.
Our focus is Hebrews 7:19: “A better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” I want to share three pillars of our better hope, showing how Christ transforms our relationship with God in ways the old covenant never could.
1. Our Access to God Is Better Through Christ
The first pillar is that through Jesus, we have unparalleled access to God. What separates us from God? Sin. Isaiah 59 tells us our iniquities create a barrier, cutting us off from His goodness, mercy, and favor. But the law itself also limited access. Under the old covenant, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, only priests could burn incense, and only Israelites could approach the tabernacle. If an uncircumcised Gentile like you or me dared to enter, God’s holiness would rightly consume us.
Hebrews 7:18 says the former commandment—the law—was set aside because of its weakness and uselessness. This might shock you. How can God’s law, the Ten Commandments, be weak? The law isn’t flawed; it’s perfect, as David declares in Psalm 119, delighting in God’s precepts. The weakness lies in us—sinful, imperfect people. The law points out our sin, with every curtain and sacrifice reminding us we cannot approach God on our own. Priests, themselves imperfect, offered sacrifices on our behalf but could not bring us into God’s presence.
Enter Jesus, our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 10:14 says, “By a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Christ’s sacrifice tore the veil—His body—opening the gates of heaven. Through His blood, we now have confidence to enter the holy places (Hebrews 10:19-20). Salvation and sanctification flow to us, transforming us to reflect God’s glory, as Moses’ face shone after being in His presence. No other priest could grant this access—only Christ.
2. The New Covenant Is Guaranteed by Christ
The second pillar is that Christ guarantees a better covenant. Hebrews 7:20-22 tells us Jesus became a priest with an oath: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” This makes Jesus the guarantee of a better covenant. Unlike Levitical priests, who took no oath and whose priesthood depended on human faithfulness, Christ’s priesthood rests on God’s unchangeable promise.
The old covenant relied on people who were weak, sinful, and unfaithful. Open the book of Judges, and you’ll see priests building idols, a parody of God’s calling. But the new covenant depends on God’s faithfulness, not ours. Every promise God made to Israel came true (Joshua 21:45), and He hasn’t changed. When God swears by Himself, we can trust He will keep His word.
What’s the sign this covenant endures? Jesus is risen, seated at God’s right hand, interceding for us. On the cross, He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His atoning work is complete, yet He remains in heaven, ensuring the covenant holds. The new covenant is salvation by grace through faith for all—Jew and Gentile alike—promising a new heart to know and love God (Hebrews 8). Christ’s eternal priesthood secures this forever.
3. Christ Saves to the Uttermost
The third pillar is that Jesus saves to the uttermost. Hebrews 7:25 says, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” This means Christ’s salvation is both complete and comprehensive. He lacks nothing to save us—holy, innocent, unstained, exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:26). Unlike priests who offered daily sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus offered Himself once for all.
This salvation transforms every part of us—mind, soul, and body—subject to Christ’s lordship. It’s not just justification, being declared righteous, but a whole redemption. Some think salvation is only a legal status, leaving us free to live as we please. But justification is just the beginning. Christ’s intercession ensures we grow in holiness. He prays for us, pleading for grace, strength, and patience, that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
Hebrews 4:16 invites us: “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.” The Christian life is one of dependence on Jesus. We pray, seek Him, and return to Him again and again. God never tires of our prayers. Unlike human patience, which wears thin, God delights in our reliance on Him. The gates of grace are wide open through Christ alone.
Applying the Better Hope
So, how do we respond to this better hope? First, ask yourself: Do I have this hope in Jesus? Some of us doubt our salvation too often, fearing one sin cuts us off forever—that’s not true. Others are overly confident, trusting in the wrong things. If everything were stripped away—job, family, nation—where would your hope lie? Like Job, would you say, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21)? Or would you falter? Christ is the only anchor that holds when the world’s storms rage.
Second, What inferior things are you holding onto? Old sins, habits, or self-righteousness rob us of life. Lay them at the cross. Clinging to the law or past ways keeps us from Christ’s better promises. Sin feels familiar, even pleasurable for a season, but it destroys. By God’s grace, make Christ familiar instead. Stay at the mercy seat, where He intercedes for you. Let sin become strange, for we were designed for life in Him.
Finally, Examine your heart with God’s help. Find a trusted believer to remind you of simple truths. Ask: Do I believe I can access God through Christ? Do I trust His covenant is secure? Do I believe He can save all of me? If you’re unsure, reread Hebrews, talk to someone who can share the gospel, and don’t leave until you’re certain of your standing in Christ.
Conclusion and Prayer
Our world is starved for hope, chasing fleeting anchors that snap under pressure. But we have a better hope in Jesus—access to God, a guaranteed covenant, and a Savior who redeems us completely. Let’s turn to Him, whether for the first time or the thousandth.
Heavenly Father, we come knowing hope is scarce, and we often trust the wrong things. Grant us mercy to embrace the better hope You offer through Jesus. Stir our hearts to repent, believe, and fellowship with You. Strengthen those with hope, that the world may see Christ as our anchor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.