Title Hebrews 9:1 - 14
Contents Main text: Hebrews 9:1 - 14
*** Old etiquette (verses 1-8)
By explaining the structure of the tabernacle in the Old Testament and the work of the high priest, the text shows how great Christ's work was. The disadvantages of the rites of the Old Testament era are as follows. First, there was always a need to make repeated sacrifices. Second, the way to God was limited to the high priest on the Day of Atonement only once a year. Third, the high priest had to offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people, but also for his own sins. The Holy Spirit shows us that we cannot approach God with these old rituals. So let's quietly meditate on the difference between going through this complicated process and coming to God through the Lord Jesus.
*** The invalidity of old rites (verses 9-10)
The fault of the sacrifices in the Old Testament times was that they could not even purify the conscience of those who served them. No sacrifice or merit could purify the conscience and make it acceptable to God. So, what is the value of the Old Testament example? First, the grot becomes a metaphor and makes you yearn for something better. Second, because of these many regulations, we must be holy and clean when we stand before God, and they teach us how to live until Jesus leads us to the right life. Does my conscience bother me? Then, let's see how I am living my life of faith. Will my faith life just follow the rules of the flesh? Or did it arise out of true fellowship with the Lord?
*** By his own blood (verses 11-13)
Since we have already talked about how powerless the old sacrificial laws are, the text now happily explains how good the new laws are. The high priest Jesus offered his own blood instead of the blood of the beast. Just like washing a damaged car cleans only the surface, it is difficult to wash away the deepest sins by sprinkling animal blood. But because Jesus offered his blood once on the cross, eternal redemption has been made available to us, and it is no longer necessary to repeat that sacrifice. Let us praise and praise this wonderful freedom that Jesus has given us.
*** Conscience cleansed (verse 14)
The sacrifice of the law could not cleanse our sinful conscience, but our conscience has been completely cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself without sin. Now, what we should rejoice in is that we, whose sins are forgiven by his blood, have peace with God. His blood has washed away all my sins and filth and frees the bonds of my heart to change my behavior. In the past, even my best efforts were filled with sin and only led to my death. Because even my most righteous activities are clothed in dirty clothes in the sight of God. But now, the course of my life has been reversed and I am looking at life instead of facing death. The blood of Jesus cleansed my deeds and enabled me to serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit. When I think of what the Lord has done for me, what can I not do for you?