For ifthat first[covenant] had beenfaultless,there would have been nooccasionsoughtfor a second.
Is the Lawthencontraryto the promisesof God?May it neverbe! For ifa lawhad been givenwhich was ableto impart life,then righteousnesswould indeedhave beenbasedon law.
"Now not with you aloneam I makingthiscovenantand thisoath,
Nowifperfectionwas throughthe Leviticalpriesthood(for on the basisof it the peoplereceived the Law),whatfurtherneed[was there] for anotherpriestto ariseaccordingto the orderof Melchizedek,and not be designatedaccordingto the orderof Aaron?
For, on the one hand,there is a setting asideof a formercommandmentbecauseof its weaknessand uselessness
But nowHe has obtaineda more excellentministry,by as muchas He is alsothe mediatorof a bettercovenant,whichhas been enactedon betterpromises.
