1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.
2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.
3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,
4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties.
7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.
8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing.
9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,
10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)
12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh,
14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
15 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 that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established.
17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.
18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.
19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.”
21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship.
22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own,
26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
The True Meaning of Hebrews 9
The Book of Hebrews was written by an anonymous author, though many scholars believe it was the Apostle Paul. The author was a Jewish Christian who had a deep understanding of the Old Testament and the Jewish religious traditions. The author provides a detailed comparison between the old and new covenants in this chapter, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ.
The chapter begins by describing the structure and purpose of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The author then explains how the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. This ritual foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who would offer himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.
The author also emphasizes the importance of the new covenant, which was established through the blood of Christ. This new covenant provides a way for believers to have direct access to God, without the need for the elaborate rituals and sacrifices of the old covenant. The author reminds the readers that just as the old covenant was ratified with the blood of animals, the new covenant was sealed with the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Hebrews 9:1-5
The author describes the layout of the Tabernacle in Hebrews 9:1-5, the sacred tent used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle was divided into two main parts: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Holy Place contained the gold-covered altar of incense, the golden lampstand with its lamps, and the table for the consecrated bread.
The Holy of Holies was separated from the Holy Place by a thick curtain and housed the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred golden chest containing the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. These items were all symbolic of God’s presence and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Ark of the Covenant, in particular, was seen as the earthly throne of God and represented God’s presence among His people.
The significance of this description lies in the symbolism it holds for Christians. The author of Hebrews uses the layout of the Tabernacle to explain the earthly sanctuary’s role as a copy or shadow of the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8:5). The items and rituals in the Tabernacle all pointed to Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest who would offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins once and for all (Hebrews 9:11-14).
The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies symbolized the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. The High Priest in the Old Testament could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). However, when Jesus died on the cross, this barrier was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that through His sacrifice, all believers now have direct access to God. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the new covenant over the old covenant based on the Law of Moses by unpacking the symbolism of the Tabernacle and its rituals. This passage underscores the centrality of Christ’s sacrificial death and the access believers have to God through Him. It reinforces the idea that Jesus is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity and the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system.
Hebrews 9:6-10
The author delves into the details of the setup of the tabernacle and the practices carried out by the priests within it in Hebrews 9:6-10. The passage describes how priests regularly entered the outer room, the Holy Place, to perform their duties. These duties involved offering incense and tending to the lamps on the lampstand, activities that were essential for the maintenance of the tabernacle.
The mention of these rituals emphasizes the importance of the Old Testament system of worship and how it was a shadow of the true worship that was to come through Christ. The meticulous rules and regulations surrounding the tabernacle and the role of the priests highlighted the separation between God and man, symbolizing the imperfect and temporary nature of the sacrificial system.
The author then contrasts these practices with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The shedding of His blood on the cross once and for all served as the perfect atonement for the sins of humanity. This pivotal event in Christian theology signified the end of the need for constant animal sacrifices and priestly intercession.
The author draws attention to the fact that the sacrifices and ceremonies carried out in the tabernacle were only temporary solutions to sin, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice that would bring eternal redemption. This shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through the sacrifice of Christ is a central theme in the book of Hebrews.
The passage reinforces the idea that Christ’s sacrifice was far superior to the rituals of the Old Testament. It highlights the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament regarding the coming of a Messiah who would serve as the ultimate High Priest and Mediator between God and humanity.
This passage in Hebrews also serves as a reminder for believers of the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the need to place their faith in Him for salvation. It underscores the importance of understanding the connection between the Old Testament practices and the redemptive work of Christ in order to grasp the full magnitude of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation. It encourages believers to approach God with confidence and assurance, knowing that their sins have been fully atoned for through the sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 4:16).
Hebrews 9:11-14
The verse in Hebrews 9:11-14 breaks down into several significant sections that provide insights into the redemptive work of Christ. Let’s delve into each of these sections to understand the deep significance of this passage.
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**Verse 11 – “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. Christ’s role as the high priest of the new covenant is the focus in this section. The author of Hebrews contrasts the earthly tabernacle, which was a mere shadow of the heavenly reality, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle that Christ entered—symbolizing His heavenly ministry. This emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s high priestly ministry over the old covenant system of earthly priests and sacrifices. This new heavenly tabernacle represents the eternal and perfect realm that Christ’s sacrifice has opened to believers, providing access to God’s presence.
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Verse 12 – “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
Here, the passage underscores the uniqueness and efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice. Unlike the Old Testament high priests who had to repeatedly offer animal sacrifices for the atonement of sins, Christ entered the Most Holy Place in heaven once for all with His own blood. This single act of self-sacrifice secured eternal redemption for humanity, highlighting the fulfillment of all sacrificial systems in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Christ’s atoning work brings about everlasting redemption, marking a definitive and lasting change in the relationship between God and humanity. -
Verse 13 – “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.”
This verse draws a parallel between the temporary efficacy of the Old Testament sacrifices using the blood of animals and the permanent cleansing brought about by Christ’s sacrifice. The sacrifices under the old covenant could only provide external purification, symbolically removing ceremonial uncleanness. Christ’s sacrifice has the power to cleanse the conscience of believers from sin, providing inner transformation and true sanctification. This comparison highlights the incomparable value of Christ’s sacrifice in bringing about a spiritual cleansing that goes beyond outward rituals. -
**Verse 14 – “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the living God! The passage in this final section speaks of the supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice in purifying believers from sin. The blood of Christ, offered through the eternal Spirit, is described as unblemished and of infinite worth. This perfect sacrifice not only provides forgiveness of sins but also cleanses the conscience of believers from guilt and shame. The aim of this cleansing is to enable believers to serve the living God without the burden of sin weighing them down. Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are empowered to live a life dedicated to God, freed from the bondage of sin and death. Hebrews 9:11-14 emphasizes the superior and transformative nature of Christ’s sacrificial work as the high priest of the new covenant. It underscores the completeness and eternal effects of Christ’s atoning sacrifice compared to the temporary and symbolic nature of the old covenant sacrifices. This passage highlights the centrality of Christ’s blood in securing redemption and cleansing believers from sin, ultimately enabling them to serve God wholeheartedly. The imagery and concepts presented in these verses point to the foundational truth of the Christian faith that redemption and sanctification come through Christ alone, fulfilling the prophecies and types found throughout the Old Testament.
Hebrews 9:15-22
The passage in Hebrews 9:15-22 divides into several key sections that focus on the significance of Jesus Christ as the mediator of a new covenant and the necessity of His blood for the redemption of sins. Let’s break it down section by section to understand the depth of its meaning.
Verse 15 begins by emphasizing that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, which is in contrast to the old covenant established through Moses and the law. This new covenant is based on grace and is superior to the old one, as Christ’s sacrifice offers eternal redemption for all who believe in Him. The idea of Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant is a central theme in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate salvation brought through His sacrificial death on the cross.
Moving on to verse 16, it delves into the concept of a covenant and the necessity of death for it to be in effect. Blood sacrifices in the Old Testament often ratified covenants, symbolizing the serious commitment involved. This verse underscores the importance of Christ’s death as the ultimate sacrifice that seals the new covenant, bringing forgiveness and redemption to those who believe in Him. It is through His shed blood that the new covenant is established, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of Christ’s atonement for the sins of humanity.
Verse 17 touches upon the significance of a will or testament, highlighting the fact that a covenant only comes into effect after the death of the one who made it. His blood serves as the seal of redemption for all who accept Him as their Savior in this case, referring to Christ’s death as the climax of the new covenant. This imagery of a will or testament echoes the idea of inheritance and the promise of eternal life for those who are called according to God’s purpose.
Moving to verse 18, the author draws a parallel between the establishment of the old covenant under Moses and the new covenant through Christ. The Old Testament describes how Moses ratified the covenant with the people of Israel using blood from sacrificial animals. However, the author emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is far superior, as His blood has the power to cleanse believers from sin once and for all. This comparison serves to underscore the effectiveness and permanence of Christ’s atoning sacrifice in contrast to the temporary nature of the old covenant sacrifices.
Verses 19 and 20 recall the events that took place when Moses inaugurated the old covenant at Mount Sinai. The author recounts how Moses sprinkled both the book of the law and the people with blood, symbolizing the binding nature of the covenant and the need for purification from sin. This historical reference serves to contrast the ceremonies of the old covenant with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood not only purifies from sin but also grants eternal redemption to all who believe in Him.
Lastly, verse 22 emphasizes the central role of blood in the forgiveness of sins, stating that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. This principle underscores the biblical concept of atonement, where the shedding of blood serves as a necessary and effective means of cleansing from sin. Christ serves as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice whose blood ensures eternal redemption for all who put their faith in Him. Hebrews 9:15-22 highlights the significance of Christ’s sacrifice as the mediator of a new and superior covenant that offers eternal redemption and forgiveness of sins to all who believe in Him. The passage draws on historical events and symbols from the Old Testament to underscore the fulfillment and completion that Jesus brings to the law and the prophets. It reinforces the central message of the Bible that salvation comes through faith in Christ and His atoning sacrifice, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Hebrews 9:23-28
The verse in Hebrews 9:23-28 can be broken down into several important sections. The first part of the verse talks about the necessity for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. This section highlights the inadequacy of the earthly sacrifices to cleanse sin compared to the superior sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The earthly tabernacle and its services were mere copies and shadows of the heavenly realities, and therefore required continual sacrifice for sin. These sacrifices could only provide temporary cleansing, while the sacrifice of Christ accomplished eternal redemption for all who believe in Him.
The mention of Christ as the High Priest in the next section is crucial because it emphasizes His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The high priest in the Old Testament entered the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. However, Christ, as the ultimate High Priest, offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice once for all, putting an end to the need for repetitive sacrifices. This act of atonement by Christ not only cleansed believers from their sins but also reconciled them to God, granting them access to the Father’s presence.
The section also touches upon the concept of judgment and salvation. It emphasizes that Christ will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. This highlights the dual nature of Christ’s role as Savior and Judge. For those who have accepted Christ’s sacrifice and eagerly await His return, there is the promise of salvation and eternal life. However, for those who have rejected Him, there remains the impending judgment and separation from God.
The overarching message of Hebrews 9:23-28 is the supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice and its implications for believers. It underscores the finality and sufficiency of Christ’s atonement for sin, contrasting it with the temporary and insufficient sacrifices of the Old Testament system. Believers are called to place their faith in Christ as the ultimate High Priest who has secured eternal redemption for them. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and assurance that believers have in the finished work of Christ on the cross. It also prompts believers to live in anticipation of Christ’s return and to be faithful in their walk with Him until that day.
Other relevant verses that tie into the themes of Hebrews 9:23-28 include Hebrews 10:10 which states, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This verse reiterates the idea of Christ’s one-time sacrifice as sufficient for the sanctification of believers. Additionally, Hebrews 9:14 proclaims, “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the living God!” This verse emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice in purifying believers’ consciences and enabling them to serve God faithfully.
After Hebrews 9
The author of Hebrews had now laid out the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over the old covenant rituals. However, the work was not yet complete. The people needed to understand how this new covenant would be established and what it would mean for their lives. The author will guide the readers towards a deeper understanding of the life-changing power of Christ’s eternal sacrifice by delving deeper into the implications of this transformative truth in the next chapter.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.