A Better Hope

“For the law made nothing perfect.” Hebrews 7:19.

By the law, the hope of the old covenant was to get to know salvation by the re­mission of sins. Luke 1:77. The law could only remind them of their sins (Hebrews 10:3); it could not give them a hope of being finished with sin.

The prophets inquired and searched diligently concerning the salvation that was to come with “the better hope.” They saw the suf­ferings of Christ and the glorious hope that would follow: there would be those who would become Jesus’ bride and would become one flesh with Him; they would receive the end of their faith, “the salvation of their souls” (1 Peter 1:9-12); they would cease from sin (1 Peter 4:1), and do perfect works. 1 Corinthians 2:6.

The law could not lead anyone to perfection, but it could make sin and covetousness more alive (Romans 7:7), and be our tutor to bring us to Christ. Galatians 3:24. Once our sins have been forgiven and we have received the Holy Spirit and been crucified with Christ, we have come to the “time of reformation.” Hebrews 9:10. Now the Spirit can begin a work “within the body.” Everything we are aware of has been brought into order by the law. The vessel is cleansed on the outside, but the inner cleansing remains.

The law has done a work of preparation for this great salvation. It has made sin exceedingly sinful, so that we have come to a thorough acknowledgment that we are carnal, sold under sin, and that nothing good dwells in our flesh. Romans 7:13,14,18. It is a great work of the law to lead us to this, yet it cannot accomplish more than give us a pure heart and a good conscience. This work leads to the Head (Ephesians 4:15), and to all God’s fullness. Ephesians 3:19.

Through this “better hope,” we can draw near to God, resulting in transformation and being conformed to the image of Jesus. Romans 8:29. We partake of the glory of the new covenant and of the eternal inheritance that has been promised to the saints. Hebrews 9:15. The ministry of the law leads to eternal life and an earthly glory; whereas, the ministry of the Spirit, through “the better hope,” leads to becom­ing an heir of God and joint heir with Christ. Romans 8:17.

We are all called in one hope of our calling. Ephesians 4:4. There­fore it is not permitted—after we have been enlightened—to strive for the realization of a “better hope” than the one that leads to all pa­tience (Colossians 1:11), perfect love (1 John 4:12), and perfect joy (John 15:11).

In the church, “the better hope” is presented in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, and through Christ manifested in the flesh. The result is spiritual growth and development as a testimony to all those who oppose the truth.

It is of the utmost importance that we do not live with the hope of the old covenant in the new covenant, but that we press forward and take “the better hope,” with its promises and blessings, by force.