“The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:18-19)

There is a startling declaration in the book of Hebrews that can feel jarring at first glance. It says, “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:18-19).

Weak and useless? How can this be? The law, given by God on Mount Sinai, is holy, righteous, and good. The Apostle Paul even called it glorious. And yet, the writer of Hebrews describes it as inadequate. This isn't a contradiction but a profound insight into the law's true purpose. When we misunderstand its function, we miss the beauty of the "better hope" that replaced it.

The law was never intended to be the solution for the chasm that sin created between humanity and God. Attempting to use it for that purpose is like trying to cross an ocean in a boat designed for a pond. It’s simply not equipped for the task. The law defined our sin in sharp contrast to God’s perfect holiness. In doing so, it acted as an accuser, highlighting our failure and deepening the separation rather than bringing reconciliation.

The True Purpose of the Law

So, if the law couldn't save us, what was its purpose? The Apostle Paul wrestled with this very question. He reflected, "Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law" (Romans 7:7). He explains that when the commandment "Do not covet" came, it didn't stop him from coveting. Instead, it awakened every kind of covetous desire within him.

Think about it like this: Before the law, sin was present but dormant, like a sleeping lion. The commandment came, not to tame the lion, but to poke it and reveal its ferocious nature. The law was the mirror that showed us the dirt on our face. A mirror can't wash you, but it can show you your desperate need for cleansing.

Paul’s conclusion is powerful: "So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). The law’s job was to be a guardian, a tutor, showing us that we could never measure up on our own. It was meant to create a hunger for a savior. Its purpose was fulfilled when it led us to the feet of Jesus. That is why Paul could say, "Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law."

The old system was set aside because it was "useless" in making anyone perfect. Its weakness was not in the law itself, but in its interaction with our fallen human nature. It showed us the standard, but it gave us no power to meet it.

The Better Hope That Draws Us Near

This is where the gospel shines so brightly. In place of the "weak and useless" regulation, a "better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God."

This hope isn't a concept; it’s a person—Jesus Christ. He is the one who has paved the way for us to enter God’s presence without blame or fear. His blood did what no animal sacrifice ever could: it wiped away the effects of our sin, once and for all. When we place our faith in Him, an amazing transaction occurs. He takes our sin, and we receive His righteousness—the very righteousness required to fulfill the entire law. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The law couldn't make us righteous because our sin nature made it impossible. But Jesus, who was sinless, fulfilled it perfectly on our behalf. He then gave us His Spirit, replacing our old nature with a new one when we are born again. This is how He imputed His righteousness to us. He is the better hope that allows us to stand before a holy God.

From Fear to Confidence

This truth changes everything about how we approach God. Under the law, access was limited and terrifying. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, with the blood of a sacrifice, for fear of death (Hebrews 9:7-8). A thick curtain stood as a constant, physical reminder of the separation between a holy God and a sinful people.

But when Jesus cried out "It is finished!" on the cross, the gospel accounts tell us that this very curtain in the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38;  Luke 23:45). This wasn't a random act of destruction. It was a divine declaration from God Himself. The way was now open.

The separation was over. The access that was once restricted to one person, one day a year, was now freely available to all who come through Christ. His body, broken for us, became the new and living curtain through which we can enter God's presence at any time (Hebrews 10:20).

This is why the law is set aside for believers. Its job is done. It has led us to Christ. Now, Jesus serves as our eternal High Priest, guaranteeing our access to God forever. As Hebrews 7:28 says, “For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”

In Jesus, we find a better hope, one that replaces fear with confidence and separation with intimate fellowship. We no longer have to stand at a distance. We can draw near.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. In what ways have you tried to fix yourself by following rules instead of trusting Christ’s power to change you?

2. Do you approach God confidently, knowing the way is open, or do fear and separation still hold you back?

3. How does knowing Jesus is your living hope help you lay down your worries and burdens?