September 21, 2026

Hebrews 9:15–17 
15 "For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives."

The writer of Hebrews has introduced to us a new covenant in Christ.  But we cannot forget that there is a prior covenant that had to first be dealt with.  A married man is not free to simply forget his vows and go marry another woman.  And yet we know that one of the ways such a covenant is released is through death.  When one spouse dies the surviving spouse is free to enter a new covenant.  This is the writer's point here.  Because Christ died, not only did He offer a new covenant, but He also released us from the previous one.  He came in human form, submitted Himself under the Law, and then died in our stead to release us from a covenant we could never fulfill.  And now that we have been released we are free to enter a new covenant, a better covenant, an eternal covenant.  Rejoice in the liberating death of Christ today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cathy Spencer
• Tommy & Peggy Swaringen