Hebrews 7-10
Under the old covenant, with its rules and regulations, “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
“Unlike the other high priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 7:27) “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)
The sacrifice of Christ is all we need to be made right with God. His sacrifice is unique and far superior than all the sacrifices that were offered. “Christ did not enter by means of the blood and goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place ONCE for ALL by HIS OWN BLOOD, having obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.” (Hebrews 9:12)
There are 4 things that stand out about Jesus and His sacrifice in Hebrews 9:12. These are the facts that make the new covenant different from the old covenant; that make Christ sacrifice superior and all sufficient.
Christ ENTERED:
- The Most Holy Place
- Once for All
- By His Own Blood
- Having Obtained Eternal Redemption
Let’s look at each one of them and see what the scriptures say about them.
- The Most Holy Place – “For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one, he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.” (Hebrews 9:24)
- Once for All
- “Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters…” (Hebrews 9:24)
- “…he has appeared Once for All…” (Hebrews 9:26)
- “…Christ was sacrificed Once to take away the sins of many people” (Hebrews 9:28)
- “…we have been made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ Once for All” (Hebrews 10:10)
- By His Own Blood
- “…he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26)
- “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unmblemished to God…” (Hebrews 9:14)
- Having Obtained Eternal Redemption
- “…by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14)
- “…we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10)
As we can see, the sacrifice of Christ sets aside the former regulation (the old covenant) which was weak and useless (Hebrews (7:18). Furthermore, the blood of Christ is able to cleanse our consciences unlike the sacrifices offered under the old covenant.
“…the gifts and sacrifices being offered WERE NOT ABLE to clear the conscience of the worshiper” (Hebrews 9:9). “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who ceremonially unclean sanctify them so they are OUTWARDLY CLEAN.” (Hebrews 9:13)
But “the blood of Christ CLEANSES OUR CONSCIENCES from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.” (Hebrews 9:14)
What a wonderful thing God did for us through the perfect work of Jesus Christ!!! Now, “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” and “we have a great priest (Jesus) over the house of God”. (Hebrews 10:19,21).
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…” (Hebrews 10:22) “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
#faith #spirituality #Jesus #thebloodoesus #thenewcovenant #thegoodnews
