1
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 majesty in the heavens,
2
A minister of the holies, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man.
3
For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer.
4
If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law,
5
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount.
The New Covenant
(Jeremiah 31:26–40)
6
But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament, which is established on better promises.
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For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second.
8
For finding fault with them, he saith: Behold, the days shall come, saith the Lord: and I will perfect unto the house of Israel, and unto the house of Juda, a new testament:
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Not according to the testament which I made to their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt: because they continued not in my testament: and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10
For this is the testament which I will make to the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my laws into their mind, and in their heart will I write them: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
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And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least to the greatest of them:
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Because I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins I will remember no more.
13
Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old, is near its end.