Hebrews: Christ Is Greater and BetterSample

The High Priest who Sacrifices Himself
Read Hebrews 9:11-28

To enter the tabernacle, whether earthly or heavenly, requires sacrifice. There was no exception when Christ entered heaven itself (v 24), the greater and more perfect tabernacle (v 11). Christ sacrificed Himself (v 26b) by His own blood (v 12).

When we speak about the heavenly tabernacle, we are speaking about things in the spiritual realm. Heavenly things are heavenly realities in the spiritual realm. It definitely cannot be man-made and is not a part of this creation (v 11). It is a greater and more perfect tabernacle (v 11). Naturally the entrance to this ‘place’ requires better sacrifices than those made at the earthly tabernacle (v 13).

It is the general rule that ceremonial cleansing and atonement are effected by means of blood if they are to take away the sins of the people for 'apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness' (v 22). The 'blood' component of the ceremony is for cleansing (vs 13-14, 19, 21-22) and is ultimately necessary for forgiveness (v 22). Thus, blood is required in God’s covenant with His people (vs 18, 20) so that God can forgive the sins of His people. If indeed the life of a creature is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), then Christ must also shed His blood (v 12) so that we may have life. It is a new life. It is a life in Christ because it is purchased by Christ’s blood.

The sacrifice of Christ was a self-offering (v 14). He did it once for all (v 26). Therefore it is eternal and effective for all people. By His one act He became the mediator of a new and better covenant (v 15).

We ought also to offer ourselves to God even as we continue to enjoy this new life.