324. A Better Hope makes Perfect
Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
The Gospel brings in a better hope. The Law could not bring hope; the Law can only bring despair. The Law makes nothing perfect, but the Gospel makes perfect; the perfect Jesus Christ does this for us. The grace of God, earned by Christ, gives perfection to us freely. By faith we now have a better hope; the hope is not only better, but it is a perfect hope. Since Christ makes us perfect we have a hope that will not fail; it is hope that will most definitely be fulfilled in us.
The Great Reversal theme is basic to the entire Bible. The Great Reversal in this case is the movement from Despair to Hope. The Law brings despair; the Gospel brings hope. We need to hear both Law and Gospel. The Gospel is meaningless without the Law. Hope is unnecessary without despair. Hope is appreciated when we have first been brought to despair and rescued from it. The Gospel is appreciated when we have first been convicted of sin and guilt and condemnation. Forgiveness is meaningful when we repent and believe. God can and does forgive when we have been made perfect, whole, complete, righteous, holy and pure. The Law says, “Be perfect.” The Law also says, “You are not perfect.” The Gospel says, “Jesus made you perfect, and now you are.”
The righteousness of God granted by grace to faith gives us confident standing in front of Almighty God on the throne. By this perfect hope we may and can draw near to God. We have a right and a privilege to pray at any time for any need. He commands us to draw near in prayer and He promises to hear us. We know He hears us because we have a better hope through the Gospel. After one hears the Gospel one should thank and praise God and then make his requests known to Him. That is hope that is good, better and best.