This verse refers to a time in the Old Testament when Moses first introduced God's commands to the people of Israel. This is found in Exodus 24:6–8, as well as portions of chapter 29. Even from the very beginning, blood was necessary to "inaugurate" a covenant. This is mentioned for two purposes. First, this idea leads into the summary given in verse 22, that bloodshed is absolutely required for forgiveness of sins (Leviticus 17:11). Second, the blood shed by Jesus Christ accomplishes what the blood of animals never could.

Previously, the writer of Hebrews had mentioned that the animal sacrifices used in the old covenant were imperfect. They could temporarily cover the sins of the people. But those sacrifices could not change a person's nature, or completely remove the penalty of their sin. Christ's sacrifice, on the other hand, was a once-for-all shedding of blood, which can perfectly and permanently save mankind. This new covenant is exactly what God had intended all along, and had promised in His own Word. The old covenant was intended to symbolize this ultimate plan.

Hebrews 9:11–28 continues to explain how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant. This passage focuses on two main advantages of this arrangement: that Christ serves in a better temple, and that Christ offers a superior sacrifice. The physical temple, and its implements, were meant to be symbols of Christ's ''true'' place of service in heaven. Unlike limited sacrifices of animals, Jesus' single death was able to completely save us from sin.

Hebrews chapter 9 explains how the old covenant included various physical locations and physical rituals. These, according to the writer of Hebrews, were always intended as symbols. Their details, and the drawbacks which they suffered from, were meant to point towards the ''true'' means of our redemption, which is Christ. Unlike animal sacrifices, which must be repeated, and which cannot change man on the inside, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a once for all, permanent, and completely effective solution to sin. The fact that Christ died for sin only once also means that His next arrival, in the future, will not be as a sacrifice, but as the final fulfillment of God's plan.

Chapter 9 continues the writer's explanation of the superiority of Christ. In chapter 8, this focused on the idea that God had promised a new covenant, even as the old covenant was still in effect. This not only means that the new covenant must be different, but that the old covenant must be flawed. Here in chapter 9, the writer focuses on the fact that the old covenant featured aspects which were meant only as symbols of the ''true'' high priesthood of Christ. Since Christ's sacrifice is more powerful, and performed in a better place, it is more effective in securing our salvation than the sacrifices of animals. Chapter 10 will continue this discussion by wrapping up these various ideas about the superiority of the new covenant.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 11/24/2024 2:42:30 PM

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