Hebrews 7:19

Heb. 7:19. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in a better hope (did); by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Some of Edwards' texts appear in most unexpected places. Heb. 7:19 thus comes in as evidence "Concerning the Endless Punishment of Those Who Die Impenitent." The argument is as follows:

§ 20, If the damned, after they have suffered a while, are to be delivered, and to have eternal life; then the present dispensation of grace and life to the fallen children of men, that was introduced by Christ and his apostles, after the ceasing of the old Mosaic dispensation, is not the last; but another is to be introduced after this ceases, and with regard to those with whom, through the flesh or through their sins and corruption, it has proved unprofitable and ineffectual.

But our text shows this is the last and perfect dispensation:

But, that a new dispensation of grace should thus be introduced, because that which was brought in by Christ and his apostles, proves weak and unprofitable through men's corruption, and there appears to be need of one which shall be more effectual, is not agreeable to the Scripture. For this dispensation is spoken of as the last and most perfect, wherein perfection was reached. Hebrews 7:19, "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did." And chap. Hebrews 11:40, "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." The ancient dispensation is spoken of as that which God found fault with, it proving ineffectual through the corruption of men; and so he introduced a new administration, that should not be liable to exception, and therefore should not wax old, or be ever liable to vanish away and give place to another; Hebrews 8:6 to the end.

Heb. 7:20-24