Lesson 4956

 (Lesson 4956) (08-26-25) Hebrews 9:1-14 

   “Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” 

 

   Today’s quote explains the difference between the old covenant rituals and the true redemption brought by Christ. The quote describes the first covenant with its earthly sanctuary, the tabernacle, and its furnishings such as the candlestick, the table, the showbread, and the altar of incense. Priests went regularly into the first part to perform their services, but only the high priest entered the second part, which was supposed to make atonement for the sins of the priest as well as the sins of his people, once a year with blood for his own sins and the people’s. These ceremonies showed that the way into God’s presence had not yet been fully revealed. The offerings and rituals under the law, including animal sacrifices and ceremonial washings, (baptisms) were temporary regulations dealing only with outward purity. They could not cleanse the conscience or redeem the soul. In contrast, Christ came as the High Priest of a greater and more perfect tabernacle, built by the hand of God. Jesus entered the heavenly holy place only once for all those who will come to believe in Him, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption. Animal sacrifices purified the flesh outwardly, but the blood of Christ, offered through the eternal Spirit, cleanses the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. This passage makes clear that physical rituals such as sacrifices or washing, including water baptism, have nothing to do with the redemption of the soul. True salvation comes only through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provided eternal cleansing and access to God. ~