Introduction: The ninth chapter of Hebrews compares the old and new covenants, emphasizing how Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is much better than the ancient rituals of the Jewish faith. The chapter persuades us that Christ’s offering is superior, providing eternal redemption, instead of temporary forgiveness. This chapter encourages believers to have confidence in the effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice and to see that there are limitations of the old testament sacrificial system.
I. The First Covenant and Its Regulations (Hebrews 9:1-5)
In the first verses, the Hebrews writer describes the Tabernacle and the sacred practices under the old covenant. The Ark of the Covenant, cherubim, and other holy items are mentioned here. We read in Exodus 25:8-9, where the Bible describes God’s instructions for building the Tabernacle, which Hebrews 9 speaks of as the earthly sanctuary. In Leviticus 16:2, we read the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies is highlighted, which Hebrews 9 mentions as a yearly, exclusive event to the Jews. Also in Exodus 25:18-22, the Bible mentions the cherubim on the Ark, which is about the sam description in Hebrews 9 of the cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat.
II. Limitations of Earthly Sanctuary and Sacrifices (Hebrews 9:6-10)
These verses points out the limitations and symbolic nature of the old covenant’s rituals, which could not truly cleanse nor perfect the conscience of the worshiper. The Bible tells us Leviticus 16:14-16, about the Day of Atonement rituals, showing the temporary atonement referenced in Hebrews 9, what the Old Testament covenant did for people was only temporary until Christ came. In Numbers 28:3, the Bible advocates daily offerings, which Hebrews 9 critiques as insufficient for complete cleansing. And in Galatians 3:23-25, the Bible points to the fact, that the law was our guardian until Christ came, supporting Hebrews 9’s claim of its symbolic nature.
III. Christ’s Entrance into the Heavenly Sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11-14)
Here in these verses, Christ’s ministry is shown to be superior as He enters the perfect, heavenly Tabernacle, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the worlds sins. Psalm 110:1 prophesies about Christ’s exaltation and heavenly ministry, which this chapter confirms by stating Jesus entered heaven itself. In John 1:29 we see a reference to Jesus as the Lamb of God, which is the same as this chapter’s depiction of His sacrificial role. And in 1 Peter 1:18-19, the Bible points out the idea of Christ’s precious blood as a redemptive sacrifice mentioned here in Hebrews 9.
IV. The New Covenant and Christ’s Mediation (Hebrews 9:15-22)
In these verses, Jesus is introduced as the mediator of a new covenant, His death enabling the redemption of sins and transgressions, and the establishment of a new relationship with God. Jeremiah 31:31-34 foretells the new covenant, which is explained in detail here, and is mediated by Christ’s death. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 shows Jesus as mediator between God and humanity, complementing message in Hebrews of His unique role. We see in Matthew 26:28, Christ himself speaks of His blood of the new covenant, pointing to this chapter’s theme of His blood enacting the new covenant.
V. Necessity of Blood in Establishing the Covenant (Hebrews 9:23-28)
Here we see the necessity of bloodshed for the enactment of a covenant is being explained, showing Christ’s sacrifice as once and for all, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament covenant, which were only temporary. The Bible tells us in Leviticus 17:11, about the importance of blood in atonement, which echoes this chapter’s writing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Also we read in Romans 6:10, the Bible speaks of Christ dying once for sins, pointing to this chapter’s writing of His once for all, completely sufficient sacrifice for all people. We read in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the details of Christ’s death and resurrection as pivotal in spirituality, just as Hebrews 9 points out here speaking of His one time offering.
Conclusion: Hebrews 9 outlines the transition from the old covenant, bound by the limitations of earthly sanctuary and sacrifices, to the new covenant, perfected by Christ’s eternal, once for all redemption. Through His blood, we have a mediator who has entered the heavenly Tabernacle, offering Himself for our transgressions. This chapter encourages us to embrace the new relationship with God made possible by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true High Priest. We are asked to leave behind the shadows of the past and step into the full light of God’s grace, assured by the ultimate sacrifice that speaks a better word than the blood of bulls and goats.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.