Hebrews 7:19
Is the law not perfect (Hebrews 7:19) or perfect (Psalm 19:7)?
This is a misquotation of both text and assuming the Bible doesn’t qualify itself. The law being perfect or not perfect is in to different respects in their context.
Hebrews 7:19 states that “the law made nothing perfect,” meaning that the law itself could never reconcile anyone back to God, since no one could fully meet its demands. The key word is “made” it points to the law’s inability to accomplish reconciliation. Instead, Hebrews 7:20-28 clarifies that Christ is the eternal High Priest whose once-for-all sacrifice brought true atonement. Verse 27 explains: “He does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s; for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.”
This completely undercuts the argument being raised, because Hebrews 10:1-4 drives the point home: the law, with its repeated sacrifices, could never make people perfect. Instead, it pointed forward to the one final sacrifice of Christ, whose single act of offering Himself secured complete atonement and eternal salvation.
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” – Hebrews 10:1-4 (NKJV)
It’s clear that Hebrews is teaching the law was “not perfect” because, under the old covenant, the Israelites had to continually offer sacrifices. These sacrifices could never meet the ultimate need for reconciliation with God, since they had to be repeated again and again. What was lacking was one final, everlasting sacrifice that could atone for sin once for all something only Christ accomplished.
In conclusion, the objector overlooks that Hebrews 7:19 does, in fact, qualify what it means when it says, “the law made nothing perfect.” The text makes this clear by contrasting the Levitical priests whose ministry was marked by continual sacrifices with the order of Melchizedek foretold in Psalm 110. Unlike the temporary and repetitive offerings of the old covenant, Christ is the eternal High Priest whose once-for-all sacrifice never needs repeating, for He remains forever and never changes (Hebrews 7:24; 13:8). The New Testament does not dismiss the law altogether; rather, it reveals the law’s true purpose exposing what is right and what is wrong. In doing so, it makes us aware of sin. As Paul declares, “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12, NKJV).
Psalm 19:7 teaches that God’s law is perfect in its ability to transform the soul. It makes a person morally upright by directing them in the path of righteousness, opens their eyes to recognize and discern sin, and deepens their relationship with God by leading them into wisdom. The law not only exposes error but also provides guidance, renewal, and joy, drawing the believer closer to the Lord who gave it.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
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