Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Study Note
Study Note
The mediator-of-the-new-covenant Christology of Hebrews reaches its logical conclusion here: Christ's death is retroactively effective for those who lived under the first covenant, redeeming 'the transgressions that were under the first testament.' The Greek diathēkē — translatable as both 'covenant' and 'testament/will' — is exploited in verses 16–17 to introduce the analogy of a will that becomes effective only at the testator's death, creating a legal metaphor for the cross as the event that activates the inheritance. The phrase 'eternal inheritance' (aiōniou klēronomias) deliberately echoes the land-inheritance language of the Mosaic covenant while eschatologizing and spiritualizing it, a characteristic Hebrews hermeneutical move. The verse is foundational for Christian understandings of the relationship between the two covenants and Old Testament salvation.
Other Translations
And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
And because of this, of a new covenant he is mediator, that, death having come, for redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, those called may receive the promise of the age-during inheritance,
And for this cause it is through him that a new agreement has come into being, so that after the errors under the first agreement had been taken away by his death, the word of God might have effect for those who were marked out for an eternal heritage.
Cross References
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because …
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul …
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye …
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, …
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us …
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb …
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: …
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: …