In The Word
Read: Hebrews 9:1-15
The Old and the New
9 Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place.3 Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
6 Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship, 7 but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 9 which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
The first few verses of this chapter tell us about how things worked in the old covenant, what the duties of the priest were in helping with the cleansing of the people’s sins. The priest had to make sacrifices for himself first for all the sins he had committed, then he could make sacrifices for the sins of the people. The high priest had to enter into the second tabernacle once a year and not without taking blood, which He used for offering. This covenant didn’t encourage the people’s intimate relationship with Yahweh. They were so afraid of Him and never wanted to experience Him. They treated God like some distant angry god who was only interested in punishing them when they did wrong.
The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing (Hebrews 9:8). The veil has been torn, Christ is our high priest and with His blood we are saved and forgiven. Our redemption is eternal. We can also talk to our Father without having to carry blood to make a way to God every time we want to talk to Him. The blood of Christ is enough to wash our sins away.
Wherever you are today and whatever you have done to feel undeserving of His love and forgiveness, He is not mad at you or judging you, His hands are ready to embrace and love you. Take the Ancient Path and return to Him.