27. Hebrews Part Two

April 2007

Topics:

Hebrews Chapter Nine
The Earthly Tabernacle
The Only Effective Sacrifice
Efficacious for All
The Shadow and the Type
Empty Sacrifices and Offerings
Jesus the True Sacrifice

Hebrews Chapter Nine

Paul continues his argument that the sacrifices and ceremonies of the temple service were only symbolic. Christ and Him crucified is the only remedy for sin and the hope of salvation. Those who held to the old covenant concept of works for salvation, in essence, rejected Christ.

Hebrews 9 is a closely reasoned comparison of the Old Testament sacrificial service, with the New Testament sacrifice of Jesus Christ; a comparison of type with anti-type–both within the everlasting covenant of grace. The Old involved daily and yearly services, the blood of animals, an earthly tabernacle, and symbolic effectiveness in dealing with sins. These services pointed forward to the coming Messiah. The New involved the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ by His own blood, ministered in the heavenly tabernacle, making the effective atonement for sin. The Old was symbolic and ineffective in itself. The New was the eternal Reality, and effectively atoned for sin.

The Earthly Tabernacle

Hebrews 9:1-5 picture the Old Testament Tabernacle and the furniture. This is clearly referring to the Old Testament sanctuary, its furniture and its services. In verse one, the word "covenant" is supplied. The concept of covenant dispensations was probably unknown to the Bible writers.

1 "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 "For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 "And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 "Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly" (Hebrews 9:1-5).

The sacrificial system was given to be an illustration of the covenant, and was peripheral to it. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is central, and the fulfillment of the old sacrificial system. His sacrifice is acceptable only because Jesus also "fulfilled the law" by His life without sin. In this chapter one must note that "Old" and "New" do not refer to the covenant, but rather to the "dispensations" or system of sacrifices and ceremonies and to their fulfillment in Christ.

The following verses describe the Old system of sacrifices and ceremonies.

6 "Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

7 "But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

8 "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

9 "Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

10 "Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation" (Hebrews 9:6-10).

The Only Effective Sacrifice

Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary (the new) is now the effective sacrifice, and brings meaning to all the sacrifices in the past (the old). Christ’s high priestly ministry in heaven could not begin until His sacrifice on the cross, thus fulfilling the types of the earthly sanctuary. The Old and New systems are contrasted in verses 11-14. The rituals and the blood of animals could not cleanse the soul. Only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is effective. Only as Christ now ministers as High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle can souls, in Old as well as New Testament times, be redeemed.

11 "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13 "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14 "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God" (Hebrews 9:11-14)?

It was through Jesus Christ that the provisions of the Covenant were available to those in Old Testament times. Through Him the Way was opened for all. Jesus is the only One who lived, died, and was resurrected that we might live. His is the only name by which we are saved.

"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing" (Hebrews 9:8):
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
15 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

It was through Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary that the provisions of the Covenant are available to those in Old Testament times.

"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15).

Efficacious for All

Christ died leaving us an inheritance, and this inheritance is left to us in a testament (covenant). Paul has made clear that the blood of animals is ineffective. Yet blood was a critical factor in the sacrifices. Sin is forgiven only through blood, the blood of animals symbolic of the blood of Christ. For the very poor, a meal offering was accepted. See Hebrews 9:16-21.

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22).

In the plan of God, the sacrificial system was necessary, as an object lesson of the plan of salvation. Now that symbol had met reality, the system of sacrifices had no more meaning. The sacrifice of Christ is the only efficacious remedy for sin.

Animal sacrifices were done on a regular, repeated schedule. Jesus’ one sacrifice is efficacious for all mankind. When He comes the second time, the judgment is completed. He no longer comes to deal with sin, but to save His people.

27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:27-28).

"It is appointed unto men once to die," Now is the time to decide for Jesus Christ. Now is the time to invite His grace into our lives to make of us "a new creature". Man does not go through cycles of re-incarnation. There is no intermediate state where a man can correct his sin. Now is the time to prepare, to confess and repent, to learn to know and love God. After a person dies there is the judgment.

The Shadow and the Type

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come" (Heb. 10:1). This refers to the ceremonial law which was provisional and shadowy, pointing forward to the work that Christ was to perform. As a type or shadow, it was not effectual. The sacrifices were repeated endlessly to promote and strengthen hope and faith in the Redeemer to come.

"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming – not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:1-4, NIV).

Empty Sacrifices and Offerings

Sacrifices and offerings have no intrinsic value with God. These do not "appease" Him, or atone for sins. They were but a reminder to the people of the promised Messiah. It was from the beginning of the world that the plan was made that Jesus Christ would offer Himself as a sacrifice if man should sin.

When Jesus came, He came to do the will of the Father. He lived a sinless life and faithfully fulfilled the prophecies concerning Himself. Please note: "He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second." The "first" was the sacrificial system, not the ten commandment law and not the everlasting covenant; both of which still stand. The "first," or the sacrificial system is taken away, so that the one effectual sacrifice He made on Calvary may stand as the remedy for sin and the confirmation of the everlasting covenant.

5 "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 "In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 "Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 "Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:5-10).

Jesus, the True Sacrifice

It is emphasized again that the daily priestly ministrations of the tabernacle or the temple are not able to atone for sin (Heb. 10:4). This only Jesus Christ can do in His one sacrifice on Calvary. The daily sacrifice of the earthly is here contrasted with the one sacrifice of Christ. This one sacrifice is effectual, and does not need to be repeated in any form. He is restored to His position in the throne with the Father. In the final judgment "every knee" shall bow and recognize Him as Lord.

11 "And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 "From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool" (Hebrews 10:11-13). 22 "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23 "I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear" (Isaiah 45:22-23).

Under the New Covenant the law is again put into our hearts, and we begin to partake of the divine nature. This process begins on this earth. It is now that Christians develop the character they will possess for eternity.

In the new earth, there is no further rebellion. Keeping the law is natural and universal. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Even God will remember our sins no more.

14 "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 "Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 "Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin" (Hebrews 10:14-18).

The rest of Hebrews 10 is an application of these wonderful truths. Christ has come! Having the "priesthood of all believers" we may come directly to the throne of grace. The new and living way is now open to each one without the interposition of a human priest. Jesus is our High Priest. The faith of the patriarchs is confirmed; and the faith of the new generations is assured.

19 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 "By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 "And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-22).

The chapter concludes with appeals, warnings, and promises. Much can be discussed, but it is beyond the scope of this article to address these in detail. Let us look at the last five verses. The language is easy to understand:

35 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:35-39).

Hebrews chapter eleven pictures the stalwart men of faith from Old Testament times. They are examples to us of the faith relationship that God has always sought. Moses, considered the founder of the nation of Israel, gave up a wonderful future to choose instead to identify with a slave nation. He chose to suffer affliction and to take on the reproach of Christ knowing that God had even better things in store for him (Hebrews 11:24-27).

We would do well to learn from his life.

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