Living Behind the Veil: A Better Sacrifice Part 1: Heb. 9:1-9a

I. The Old Sacrifice vs. 1-7

A. In the Old Covenant everything had to be done a certain way, and for good reason. If they displeased God, their sacrifices wouldn’t be acceptable. Lev. 10:1-3

Leviticus 10:1–3 NASB95

Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’ ” So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.

B. Outer court was for everyone, both Jew and Gentile, as well as women.

C. The lampstand was a picture of the Holy Spirit’s presence and ministry among His people, in that place.

D. The sacred bread showed God’s prevision.

E. Holy of holies was for only one person to enter into.

F. This was done once a year, every year.

II. The Better Sacrifice vs. 1-9a

A. The New Covenant makes the symbolism come to life!

B. Outer court is for everyone, but here’s the thing the outer court is now for the curious. If you aren’t having a steady stream in the outer court. and they don’t stay, then something is wrong. (Who is church for?)

C. The lampstand takes on a new meaning. The light of the gospel is not confined to a building. Matt. 5:14

Matthew 5:14 NASB95

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

Isaiah 11:2 NASB95

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

D. The sacred bread showed Christ’s provision. John 6:33-36

John 6:33–36 NASB95

“For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.

E. Holy of holies is the believer now. When the veil was tore in two from top to bottom, it signified two things: 1) The Father was grieved (tearing clothes), and 2) God’s presence is with His people.

F. A one time event. No longer do we need a bunch of sacrifices ,but we have the perfect sacrifice of Jesus! We can’t earn it, so quit trying.