Hebrews 9:1-14 - The better way

Hebrews 9:1–14 CSB

1 Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. 3 Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. 4 It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now. 6 With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. 7 But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. 10 They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order. 11 But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?

In Chapters 7 and 8 we were introduced to these ideas - we have a better hope, because we have a better covenant which has better promises. This matters!

Christianity has often been labelled the same as all other religions but just one alternative in the way we get to God.

Most religious worship carries the hope that one has done enough to appease his god. It’s based on this idea that our good and bad deeds are weighed on a scale and the goal in life is to get to the end having done more good than bad. Where’s the focus? On what I do!

In the Bible, the focus is shifted from you to God. We don’t worship to gain favour, we worship God is worthy. We worship because our sin has been dealt with. We worship because a way has been made for us to enter God’s presence.

That involved sacrifice, but not ours, a better sacrifice. God has provided a better way. We live by faith in the better way.

1. First Covenant reality

1.1. It was regulated v1

There was clear structure to how it was to work. What the priest were to do, the sacrifices that were to be made. God wanted it done His way for a purpose.

1.2. It was earthly v1b

How do we see that? It was made by man and pitched by man. Worship was all built around the tabernacle that was a constant reminder to the people of the God they worshipped. He was to remain central.

1.3. It was holy

Key idea around the Tabernacle was holiness. God wasn’t to be messed with. The high priest knew this. He wouldn’t dare enter the Most Holy Place if he wasn’t prepared and the time wasn’t right.

Here’s how it was set up

1.3.1. There was the Holy place

Lampstand - 7 lamps that were to be kept constanly burning. This was the souce of light for the room and a reminder of the tree of life from the garden of Eden.

The table - the table of showbread and on that would be the 12 presentation loaves.

These 2 things were pointing to Christ who is the Light of the world and the Bread of life. For many religions, they bring bread to appease their God. This reminds us that He is the true spiritual sustenance of His people and apart from Him there is no life.

The priests would regularly come in to this part of the tabernacle or temple to perform their rituals

1.3.2. The most holy place

A thick curtain separated the two - this made the Holy Place a very dark room. It's said that the material was about 4 inches thick

It had the gold altar of incense - this was on the outside but conneced to everything that took place on the inside and the day of Atonement.

The Ark of the covenant which was covered with gold on all sides. We are told what was inside...

A gold jar with manna

Aaron's staff that budded

The tablets of the Covenant -

There was the Cherubim

1.4. It was limited

It was never final or enough.

This had to be done over and over again

The priests would do daily sacrifices

They would keep the lamps lit

They would change the bread

The high Priest would only go into the Holy of Holies Once a year to sacrifice for the sins of the people. Note, it was for the sins that were done in ignorance.

2. God was making a point vs8-9

Lessons from the Holy Spirit that we needed to learn.

2.1. This was a only a picture

2.2. It was making a statement that the people didn't have free access to God's presence. That was restricted, they needed the priesthood, someone to represent them before God.

2.3. Nothing could perfect the worshippers conscience. There was outward holiness, but the heart needed to be changed.

2.4. God had a plan - there was a new order v9. They were meant to look to a better day.

A lot of religion sits with a first covenant mindset.

You find something to sacrifice

Your righteousness is regulated

But the heart is never changed and you’re never sure you have done enough.

Why is there such an universal internal battle that has a desire to achieve righteousness?

We know there’s a barrier between us and God because of our sin

We hope, but have no certainty about our position before God.

2 words that bring hope in v11 - “But Christ...”

3. New Covenant reality bringing about liberty

2 Fundamental truths stemming from this wonderful statement that says things have changed… “But Christ has appeared... “ v11.

We will consider the first reminder today.

2.1. Christ our High Priest

He enters the heavenly sanctuary - that’s not a tabernacle or sactuary that’s made with human hands - HE gone into the very presence of God the Father as God the Son and stands before the Father on our behalf. See the contrast.

He goes into the most holy place. This isn’t repeated like the priests on earth were doing. He has done it once for all time!

not on the basis a sacrifice of goats and calves

By His own blood and that was enough

He secured our eternal redemption

There was a level of value in what the priests did, because it brought about the purification of the flesh. But God was after the heart. Only through the blood of Christ can our consciences be cleansed.

Christ blood covers your sin.

God was working so that everyone, not the priests would be called to serve the Living God.

We offer sacrifices to God

Romans 12:1 CSB

1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.

That says something for us about living in what Christ has accomplished.

i. Live in freedom not guilt

Our consciousnes have been cleansed from dead works

ii. Our hearts have been changed to serve

iii. I have access to God

Old religion says, “Work to be accepted.” If you have been born again, you stand in this, “I am accepted so I serve.” The way has been opened for me into God’s presence by His grace. By faith we take hold of that.

Christianity is not about being good model people, but God’s people.