“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.”
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant — Christ as mediator (mesitēs) establishes the new covenant; his death (thanatos) serves as the ransom-price (apolutrōsis) that frees the called (oi keklēmenoi) from the penalties of old covenant violations. The eternal inheritance (klēronomias aiōniou) is eschatological: not earthly Canaan but the presence of God.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 9:15
It was probable that many of those who were more weakly would especially distrust the promises of Christ because He had died. Paul accordingly out of a superabundance introduced this illustration, deriving it from common custom. Of what kind is it? He says, “indeed, on this very account we ought to be of good courage.” On what account? Because testaments are established and obtain their force when those who have made them are not living, but dead. “And for this cause,” he…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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