Key Text: Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24).
Again, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place where God made an appearance, hidden by a cloud of incense. The tabernacle and its vessels were only symbolic replicas (“copies, examplies, or patterns”) v 23 of the true heavenly tabernacle. As the lesser tabernacle needed lesser sacrifices, so the heavenly tabernacle needed a perfect sacrifice. Christ, the priest of Christianity, and the Son God Himself, has provided a superior ritual and He is superior to all. Secondly, animal sacrifices had to be repeated, it could not be perfect, and it could not be “once-for-all.” The “year by year” sacrifice served as a reminder that sin needed continued cleansing. So, if the Levitical System had cleansed the Old Testament people, then, according to 10:2, they would have had “no more conscience of sins” and would have ceased to sacrifice. By the way, if a continuation of Christ’s sacrifice was necessary, then His sacrifice would have had to start at the “foundation of the world” v 26. So, Christ could only die once as a sacrifice, the certainty of appearing with deliverance from condemnation “unto them that look for him” v 28. This means that He will not need to deal with sin again.
The Levitical System was not designed by God to remove or forgive sins. It was preparatory for the coming of the Messiah. The Levitical priest never finished his work and he never sat in the tabernacle 10:11. But after the Son had offered His one sacrifice, He sat down and is now waiting at God’s right hand. Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice has “perfected forever them that are sanctified” v 12. This makes “perfected” – absolute, completion, the bringing to its end, and eternal security of the believer “for ever”. The writer of Hebrews addresses his Jewish brethren with an invitation to leave the Levitical system for the benefits of the New Covenant in Christ and His finished sacrifice so that they can enter “boldly” into the presence of God: What the law could not do, Christ has now accomplished; therefore, “Let us draw near”. The Hebrews were invited to embark on a “living way” characterized by the eternal life of the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them. The writer was inviting them to become Christians–to join those who had been persecuted for their faith. The writer’s exhortation offers direct access into the very holy place of God by means of “the blood of Jesus” taken within the veil by Jesus Himself. This access is living; unlike the lifeless animal made access by the high priest on behalf of the people. We remember that the veil into the earthly sanctuary was rent in two by God, simultaneously with the breaking of Christ’s flesh. Christ’s sacrificial death removed the barrier of the veil, making access possible.
The Hebrews were instructed to approach God “with a true heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, bodies washed with pure water; and in full assurance of faith” v 23. Christ’s sacrifice has sprinkled us in regard to our hearts and washed us in regard to our bodies. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” The Hebrews also received instructions to “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together and exhorting one another” v 25. Here is where the author’s exhortation takes the form of encouragement, comfort and warning, or strengthening which requires increased activity on behalf of the believers as the coming of Christ approaches. AMEN!
 | Please update your ID or license at the DMV by April 1st to fly across the country or enter a federal building. See the star.  |
Leave a Reply