Hebrews 9

Old Worship Versus New Worship (vv1-10)

Chapter eight began comparing the new covenant which Christ mediates versus the old mediated by human priests.  The reason the previous covenant is called “old” is because of its inferiority (that out to make us old people feel good!; 8:13)  So chapter nine begins with a review of the old worship system.    It’s regulations governed an earthly sanctuary, a long tabernacle divided into two rooms, one called the Holy Place and the other the Most Holy Place.  Each room held ceremonial objects used in the worship rituals, and the rooms themselves were separated by a curtain (v3-5).  The author does not offer a detailed description of the objects and their uses, but rather wants to focus on the high priests role in the “Day of Atonement”.

Only one day a year the high priest would be allowed to enter the Most Holy Place where it was said God’s glory resided.  One is not to simply saunter into this God’s presence (v7).  On this day, the high priest would offer blood, not only for the people’s sin but also for his own sins.  Now here comes the interpretation of this system of worship.  While this system existed to temporarily cover the sins of the people, this separation between God and people served as a symbol to say the way to God was not yet open (v8).  And, as long as this system of worship was necessary, the way would not be open until God opened the way.

What is the implication regarding the “Old” covenants sacrifices the high priest offered?  They were not able to remove sin or make a person qualified to enter into God’s presence.  The old covenants laws simply dealt with ceremonial cleansing, a type and a symbol of something greater that should come and actually perfect the worshipper before God (v9-10).

Christ, the Better High Priest vv11-28

Now, here comes the comparison.  Jesus has entered a greater heavenly tabernacle to offer a greater sacrifice, His own blood.  There, He entered the Most Holy Place, not once every year, but once and for all.  His cleansing of sin was so thorough that there will never need to be a repeat cleansing for all eternity (v11-12).

In the former tabernacle, the offering of animals ceremonially cleanse believers so they could worship in a symbolic tabernacle, but yet the Most Holy Place was still closed off.  But Jesus mediates a new covenant where worshippers are cleansed to worship God directly, in His presence, with nothing partitioning God and His people.  The death of animals were unable to purchase an inheritance, but Christ’s death purchases an eternal inheritance and cleanse them forever from their sin (v13-15).

Both the first and second covenants are called testaments, because they are put into force by the death of the testator.  In the matter of the first testament, it was put into force by the blood of animals.  But the new testament was put into force by something far more valuable, the blood of Christ.  While the sacrifices and earthly tabernacle symbolically served as symbols for the real things in heaven, Christ Himself entered into the heavenly tabernacle, and there offered His own blood that removed the sin of His people.  And He did not need to do this year after year, for His superior sacrifice once and for all reconciled men to God, making them perfect in His sight (v16-26).

Each person has one life and death where they will be finally judged.  In the same way, Christ single death is satisfactory to atone for all who believe.  Therefore, at His second appearance, He is not coming to judge His people’s sins, but rather bring redemption believers who are eagerly and patiently wait for His second coming (v27-28).