Therefore he 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 from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
Under the old covenant established at Sinai, sacrifices were offered that provided a surface cleansing of sin (Heb. 9:13). But the blood of Christ cleanses the inner person, purifying us from our sin (Heb. 9:14). Jesus’ sacrifice did what the sacrifices of the old covenant were unable to do (Heb. 10:11-12).
Because of that, Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, the covenant mentioned in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and referred to in Hebrews 8:8-12. This new covenant between God and humanity was established at the cross and ratified by the blood of Jesus.
Under the old covenant, there was an inheritance, the promised land of Canaan. Under the new covenant that Jesus mediates, there is also an inheritance, an eternal home in a new heaven and earth—a better promise (Heb. 8:6).
The old covenant was established with the descendants of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, and others who joined that community. The new covenant is between God and those who are called. Who is called? Hebrews 7:25 tells us that it is those who draw near to God through Jesus. Jew and Gentile alike, all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus are called into the new covenant community.
After the old covenant was established, Israel traveled through the wilderness to their promised inheritance. Even so, under the new covenant mediated by Jesus, we are traveling through the wilderness until we receive our promised eternal inheritance. And we look forward to that day when Jesus will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are eagerly awaiting him (Heb. 9:28). Bringing us to that eternal city that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and so many more under the old covenant looked forward to (Heb. 11:9-10, 39-40).
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