Hebrews 8

High Priest at the right hand of the Majesty

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; Hebrews 8:1–2

The main point: our High Priest, Jesus, sits at God's right hand and serves in the real, heavenly sanctuary that the earthly tabernacle only pictured.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Psalm 110:1 — Sit thou at my right hand.
• the same event in Acts 7:55-56 — Stephen sees Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

This man has somewhat to offer

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Hebrews 8:3

Every high priest offers something, and 'this man', Jesus, offered Himself.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Hebrews 9:14 — Christ offered Himself without spot to God.

The tabernacle as shadow of heavenly things

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. Hebrews 8:5

The text calls the tabernacle and its priests a shadow and copy of heavenly realities, all pointing to Christ's heavenly ministry.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Exodus 25:40 — Make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
• a type of what is in Hebrews 9:11 — Christ ministers by a greater and more perfect tabernacle.

Mediator of a better covenant

Mediator — one who stands between two parties to reconcile them

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:6

Jesus stands between God and us to bring us into a better covenant, built on better promises than the law of Moses.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in 1 Timothy 2:5 — One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
• the same title in 2 Nephi 2:27-28 — The great Mediator of all men.

Jehovah promises the new covenant

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Hebrews 8:8–12

Through Jeremiah, the LORD, Jehovah, who led Israel out of Egypt, promised a new covenant written on hearts with sins forgiven. Hebrews shows that Christ is the Mediator of that covenant.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34 — The new covenant prophecy.
• fulfilled by Luke 22:20 — This cup is the new testament in my blood.