The Ultimate Sacrifice

Hebrews 9:23-28

As we travel verse by verse throughout teh book of Hebrews, we come to verses 23-28.

The author begins verse 23 with “It was therefore necessary…”

We often say when you see therefore, see what came before.

This term therefore is a term that signals a conclusion that is based upon a previous truth.

Earlier we discussed the need for the earthly tabernacle and all of its parts to be sanctified or purified with the blood of an animal sacrifice.

The blood was sprinkled throughout the tabernacle and the priests garments.

But these rituals were never mean to be the final solution for sin.

They were temporary and symbolic of that which was greater that would one day come.

The earthly tabernacle was a “pattern” of the true, heavenly reality.

Hebrews 8:5 KJV

5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

The word patterns used in verse 23 can cause a little bit of confusion when casually read.

We think of patterns as being the original that is copied from.

But it may help to think of it as a sewing pattern.

The pattern is not the original…no it is a copy of the original.

The original was a dress, or outfit that a clothing designer created…and then a pattern was made of the pieces so others may copy it.

So the word translated “patterns” comes form the Greek word ὑποδείγματα (hypodeigmata), which means “copies” or “representations.”

The word emphasizes that the earthly tabernacle and its rituals were shadows of the heavenly realities, not the ultimate solution.

These earthly copies required purification through the blood of animals.

However when it comes to the “heavenly things themselves,” a better sacrifice was necessary.

Not because heaven was defiled, but because Christ’s sacrifice inaugurated a new and living way for sinners to approach God.

His sacrifice didn’t cleanse heaven itself, but removed the barrier that sin placed between God and humanity.

This leads us to a crucial question:

Why was a superior sacrifice necessary?

If the earthly tabernacle required purification, how much more the true heavenly reality?

And if hte sacrifices of hte old covenant were limited in power, what kind of offering could fully and finally address sin?

Hebrews 9:23-24 answers this question by pointing to the necessity of Christ’s superior sacrifice.

So let’s begin with:

I. The Necessity of a Superior Sacrifice

Why did we need a superior sacrifice?

The old covenant sacrifices served a purpose, but they were incomplete.

Their very nature showed the need for something greater—a superior sacrifice that could provide full and final cleansing and open the way to God.

23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

A. The Purification of Earthly Copies

The earthly tabernacle required purification with animal blood because they were only shadows and copies of the heavenly realities.

This purification pointed to the need for a deeper cleansing.

Every time the high priest sprinkled blood, it served a s a constant reminder that sin separates man from God, and that cleansing is required for fellowship.

The purification of the tabernacle and its utensils was ceremonial, showing that even sacred spaces were impacted by the presence of sinful humanity.

Think about a mirror that is covered with dust.

Although it reflects light, the dust obscures its purpose.

The earthly tabernacle, though reflective of heaven, was obscured by the limitations of human sin and required symbolic purification.

Earthly solutions can never resolve eternal problems.

Only Christ’s sacrifice can purify the soul.

We must not trust in outward rituals but seek inward cleansing through faith in Christ.

B. The Inauguration of Heavenly Realities

If the earthly copies needed purification, how much greater must the sacrifice be to inaugurate the true heavenly reality?

Christ entered heaven itself, the true holy place, not the earthly copy.

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

His sacrifice didn't cleanse heaven but opened the way for sinners to approach God (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Hebrews 10:19–22 KJV

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Heaven didn't need purification from defilement, but it required inauguration by Christ's perfect sacrifice, signaling that the way to God was now open for redeemed humanity.

Just as the earthly tabernacle was inaugurated with the blood of animals, the heavenly reality was inaugurated with the blood of Christ, signifying the beginning of His eternal priestly ministry.

When a new building is opened, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is often held.

Christ's sacrifice was the ultimate "ribbon-cutting," signifying that access to God is now open through Him.

Through Christ, we now have direct access to God.

Are we drawing near with full assurance of faith?

Or are we still holding back, burdened by guilt that Christ has already cleansed?

 Hebrews 10:19-22, which we read a moment ago, reminds us that we can enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.

These are great verses for us to memorize and quote when we doubt our standing before a holy God.

II. The Singularity of Christ’s Offering

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

The author of Hebrews contrasts the continual sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Christ.

This section highlights the uniqueness of Christ's offering and why it surpasses all others.

A. The Repetitive Nature of Old Sacrifices

Earthly priests offered sacrifices yearly for sin (v. 25), a system that emphasized its own inadequacy.

Each sacrifice served as a reminder that sin remained, and that the separation between God and man persisted.

The constant repetition was a declaration that these sacrifices were insufficient to remove sin completely.

Have you ever tried to cover a stain with layer after layer of paint.

It may look clean on the surface, but the stain still lurks beneath.

Whatever caused the stain is still there.

Only a complete renovation can truly cleanse it.

We are often content with not being able to see it…but that is not good enough for our sin.

The old sacrifices were like layers of paint, covering but never removing the stain of sin.

Rituals and works, no matter how frequent, cannot erase sin.

Only Christ’s complete and perfect offering can bring true purification.

B. The Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice

26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Christ appeared "once in the end of the world" to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (v. 26).

His sacrifice was decisive and final, never needing to be repeated.

It didn't merely cover sin but removed it entirely.

Romans 6:10 KJV

10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

His once-for-all offering means that sin has been fully judged, and the path to God has been fully opened.

If you have a massive debt, with interest of 25% like some credit cards, just paying the minimum payment will never pay off the debt.

“Christ’s sacrifice was once for all—its sufficiency is eternal, and its power is absolute.” — Charles Spurgeon

What does this mean for us today as Christians?

Everything, but are we resting in Christ’s finished work, or are we striving as if we must earn God's favor?

Let’s embrace the finality of Christ's sacrifice and rest in His sufficient grace.

Living as though His work is incomplete is to deny the sufficiency of His offering.

Hebrews 10:12 reminds us that Christ, "after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God."

Hebrews 10:12 KJV

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

III. The Certainty of Human Destiny

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

This verse highlights the inescapable reality that every person faces: death and judgment.

It calls us to live with eternal perspective and urgency.

A. The Appointment of Death

"It is appointed unto men once to die" (v. 27).

Death is inevitable for every human being, regardless of status, wealth, or achievements.

It is a result of sin.

Genesis 3:19 KJV

19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

This appointment is not arbitrary but part of God's sovereign design for life under the curse of sin (Ecclesiastes 3:2).

Ecclesiastes 3:2 KJV

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Life is like an hourglass, and each grain of sand falls until the last one drops.

No one can flip the hourglass to start again.

Once our time is over, it is over.

Because we know death is certain, It is so important that we prepare our hearts and lives now.

Ignoring this reality is a dangerous presumption.

But the reality of death is not the only reality…

B. The Reality of Judgment

After death, judgment follows.

Each person will stand before God to give an account of their life (2 Corinthians 5:10).

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

This judgment is personal, impartial, and eternal.

For believers, this is not a judgment of condemnation but of reward and accountability (Romans 14:10-12).

Romans 14:10–12 KJV

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

For the lost, it is the final reckoning for sin and rejection of Christ (Revelation 20:12-15).

Revelation 20:12–15 KJV

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

"We must all face the judgment seat of Christ, where eternal decisions are made, and every deed will be revealed." — Charles Spurgeon

Standing before God's throne will be like standing before a mirror that reflects every hidden thought and motive.

Nothing will be concealed.

Are we living in preparation for that day?

Have we trusted in Christ’s finished work for our salvation, or are we hoping in our own works?

Judgment will expose the reality of our faith.

IV. The Certainty of Christ’s Return

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

A. The Purpose of Christ’s First Coming

Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:12).

Isaiah 53:12 KJV

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

His first coming dealt decisively with sin, providing redemption and reconciliation.

He bore the full weight of sin and its punishment, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

If Christ gave Himself once for us, are we willing to give ourselves daily to Him in faith and service?

B. The Promise of His Second Coming

Christ will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to bring final salvation to those waiting for Him (Titus 2:13).

Titus 2:13 KJV

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

His return will be one of glory and triumph, where He gathers His people to Himself for eternity (John 14:3).

John 14:3 KJV

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 "The certainty of Christ's return is the foundation of Christian hope." — Charles Spurgeon

Just as a bride prepares for her wedding day with joy and anticipation, believers should live in readiness for the coming of Christ.

Are we eagerly looking for Christ's return?

Does our life reflect hopeful preparation for His appearing?

C. The Priority of Expectancy

Knowing Christ will return, we are called to live with holiness, hope, and readiness (1 John 3:3).

1 John 3:3 KJV

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Living in expectancy should shape our daily choices, our devotion, and our outreach to others.

Imagine receiving a letter from a long-lost loved one, promising to return.

Wouldn't you prepare, clean the house, and ready your heart to welcome them?

How much more should we be ready for Christ?

If we truly believe in Christ's imminent return, it should impact our decisions, relationships, and witness.

Are we living in light of eternity, or have we grown complacent in our faith?

Conclusion

Hebrews 9:23-28 presents us with a profound reality: Christ's superior sacrifice was necessary, sufficient, and final.

His once-for-all offering purifies us, gives us access to God, and prepares us for His return.

We have seen that:

The Old Covenant sacrifices were shadows, pointing to the true and better sacrifice that would come.

Christ’s sacrifice was singular and sufficient, putting away sin forever.

Human destiny is certain, as death and judgment await every person.

Christ’s return is promised, and we must live in expectancy of that glorious day.

The only way to be prepared for death, judgment, and Christ's return is through faith in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

There is no other hope, no other offering, no other way.

His once-for-all sacrifice has opened the way to eternal life.

In ancient Rome, when a debt was fully paid, the word Tě·těl·ěh·stī (Τετέλεσται) was stamped across the document, meaning "It is finished."

Christ spoke the same word on the cross.

Our debt is paid.

Our sin is forgiven.

And our hope is secured.

Trust fully in Christ’s sacrifice.

Stop striving for what has already been provided.

Rest in His finished work.

If you have not yet trusted Christ, now is the time.

And if you have, live as though Christ's return could be today.

Live in holiness, readiness, and hope.

And when you do, you can cry out like the Apostle John did at the end of the Revelation…

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)