HEBREWS 9

THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS GRANTS BELIEVERS ACCESS TO GOD

The author describes the tabernacle, a place of worship built by Moses in Exodus 25-31. Inside the tabernacle was the Most Holy Place, the innermost room. In this space was the law written on the tablets of the ten commandments within the ark of the covenant. Above the ark was a space known as the Holy Seat, where God’s presence dwelled. The priests were the only people allowed into this area, which was separated by a large curtain.

When Jesus appeared as the ultimate high priest, He granted all believers access to God’s presence. When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn, representing believers unlimited access to God (Matthew 27:51). Normally, the blood of an animal was required as a sacrifice for sin. Because Jesus was without sin, compared to a spotless lamb, His sacrifice covered the sins of humanity. The blood of Jesus is far more powerful than even the most spotless animal.

Through His sacrifice, Jesus has become the mediator of the new covenant. Jesus appeared before God and paid for the sins of believers. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, all who believe in Christ are given the inheritance of eternal life. The author encourages believers to eagerly await the return of Jesus, who will arrive again and bring believers into eternity with God.

Hebrews 9:15 - Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.