“…Christ came as high priest…” Hebrews 9:11

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The writers of Hebrews provided the following additional points to support the reality of a new order:

  • The first covenant had regulations requiring the size, shape, materials and use of the ministry areas (Hebrews 9:1-5);

  • The first covenant had regulations requiring the duties and work of priests, and that only the high priest could enter the holy of holies, and he could only enter once a year, and never without a blood sacrifice for himself and the people (vv. 6 – 7);

  • The Holy Spirit (Teacher-Comforter-Friend) was using the restrictions of the old covenant to show that The Way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been revealed (Jesus proclaimed Himself to be The Way, The Truth, and The Life, John 14:6; v.8);

  • The old covenant was a matter of ceremonial actions pointing to a final sacrifice fulfilling the requirements of the law, thus establishing a new order (vv. 9 – 10).

Jesus established the new order through the sacrifice of His own blood, not by the blood of goats and calves, entering the greater and more perfect Holy of Holies – one not made by man – which is the original Most Holy Place of Heaven, where The Mercy Seat of God is found (vv. 11 – 12, 24). Yes, Jesus Christ came as High Priest and the mediator of a new covenant (vv. 11 & 15). It is His blood that is able to cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we are able to serve our living God (vv. 13 – 14). His death emancipated the sinner from the bondage of sin while also bestowing the endowment of eternal life (v.15)!

The rules of the first covenant were necessary to reflect the requirements of The Law, and were copies of the eternal Tabernacle in Heaven. The old covenant required everything to be cleansed with blood, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (vv. 16 – 23a). While every man is destined to die once, Jesus’ death provided the final sacrifice to do away with sin and for sinners to be reconciled to God (vv. 24 – 28a).

The chapter concludes with the expectation of Christ’s return “…to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him” (v.28b), a day when the dead in Christ will rise to join Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). It will the day Jesus returns, not as a sacrifice but as a risen Savior and King! We are to continue to look to that day.

Have a blessed day!