SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 9
BIBLE VERSES:
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15)
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)
WORSHIP IN THE EARTHLY TABERNACLE (vs. 1-10)
EARTHLY SANCTUARY CONSISTS OF:
- Holy Place – A tabernacle was set up with lampstand, table and consecrated bread.
- The Most Holy Place – It had the golden altar of incense and gold covered ark of the covenant containing the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, – the Mercy Seat.
THE BLOOD OF CHRIST (vs. 11-28)
Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once and for all by his own blood to obtain eternal redemption for mankind. His blood through the Holy Spirit sanctifies our hearts and consciences and takes away the sins we have. Christ is the mediator of a new covenant and those who are called may received the promised eternal inheritance (v. 13). He will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (v. 28).
THOUGHTS:
REASONS WHY THE OLD COVENANT SANCTUARY WAS INFERIOR:
- It was on earth and of earthly materials (v. 1)
- The arrangement and furnishings of the Old Testament tabernacle was but a shadow of things to come (vs. 2-5). All things pointed to Christ.
- It was inaccessible to people (vs. 6-7) – Only priest could minister in the court and holy place and only the high priest could enter into the Holy of Holies.
- It was temporary (v. 8) – There was a will that separated God and man. That will was torn apart when Christ died.
- It is ineffective to change heart (vs. 9-10) – The blood of animals only covered sin. It only deals with the externals not the inner person.
REASONS WHY THE NEW COVENANT SANCTUARY IS SUPERIOR:
- It is a heavenly sanctuary (v. 11)- The sanctuary of the New Covenant is the new creation. It is greater and more perfect because it is not made with human hands.
- It is effective in changing lives (vs. 12-23) – The Old Testament sacrifices was for ceremonial cleansing of the body only, but the blood of Christ purges the conscience and gives the believer a perfect standing before God.
- It is the fulfillment of Old Testament practices (v. 24) – Christ is ministering a heavenly sanctuary and represents us in the very presence of God.
- It is based on a completed sacrifices (vs. 25-28) – Christ had completed his work on the cross. His death opens an open path to God through Him.
Christ had died on the cross and forgave our past sins. He had given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. He is now in heaven serving as an Advocate to intervene for us. And he promises to return and raise us to life in eternity. Are you willing to grasp this opportunity while under today’s era of grace and forgiveness?