John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 7:19

"(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God." — Hebrews 7:19 (ASV)

For the Law made nothing perfect, etc. Since he had spoken rather harshly of the Law, he now mitigates or, so to speak, corrects that harshness; for he concedes that it had some utility, as it had pointed out the way that ultimately leads to salvation. It was, however, of such a kind as to be far short of perfection.

The Apostle then reasons as follows: The Law was only a beginning; then something more perfect necessarily had to follow, for it is not fitting for God’s children to always continue in childish elements. By the word bringing in, or introduction, he means a certain preparation made by the Law, just as children are taught in those elements that smooth the way to higher things.

But since the preposition ἐπὶ denotes a consequence, when one thing follows another, it ought, in my opinion, to be rendered this way: “but added was an introduction into a better hope.” For he mentions two introductions, in my view: the first by Melchizedek as a type, and the second by the Law, which was later in time. Moreover, by Law he designates the Levitical priesthood, which was superadded to the priesthood of Melchizedek.

A better hope is to be understood as the condition of the faithful under the reign of Christ; but he had in view the fathers, who could not be satisfied with the state they were in at that time, but aspired to higher things. Hence the saying, “Many kings and prophets desired to see the things which ye see” (Luke 10:24). They were therefore led by the hand of the Law as a schoolmaster, so that they might advance further.

By the which we draw nigh, etc. An implied contrast between us and the fathers is to be understood here; for in honor and privilege we excel them, since God has communicated to us a full knowledge of Himself, but He appeared to them, so to speak, far off and obscurely.

An allusion is also made here to the tabernacle or the temple: for the people stood far off in the court, nor was nearer access to the sanctuary opened to anyone except the priests; and only the high priest entered the inner sanctuary. But now that the tabernacle has been removed, God admits us into a familiar approach to Himself, an approach the fathers were not permitted to have.

Therefore, whoever still holds to the shadows of the Law, or seeks to restore them, not only obscures the glory of Christ but also deprives us of an immense benefit. For such a person puts God at a great distance from us, while the Gospel has granted us the freedom to approach Him. And whoever continues in the Law knowingly and willingly deprives himself of the privilege of drawing near to God.