Tonight, we are going to dive into the book of Hebrews, specifically chapter 9. The writer of Hebrews is addressing Christian converted Jews who have been waiting for the return of Jesus for 25 years and are starting to question their faith. He emphasizes that Jesus is better than the old covenant and sacrificial system in the temple. Throughout the chapter, the Tabernacle in the Old Testament is described, along with its symbolism and purpose. The writer highlights that Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all, unlike the blood of bulls and goats which could only temporarily cover sin. Believing in Jesus and confessing him as Lord is the way to salvation, and good works are the result of a transformed life in Christ. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant and his sacrifice purges our conscience from dead works, allowing us to boldly approach God. So, let’s dig in and discover the profound truths that the book of Hebrews has to offer.
I. Background Information
A. Introduction to the book of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews is a letter written to Christian converted Jews who are starting to doubt their faith after waiting for the return of Jesus for 25 years. The writer of Hebrews addresses their concerns and encourages them not to go back to their old way of life but to continue in their faith in Christ.
B. Target audience of the book
The target audience of the book of Hebrews is Christian converted Jews who are struggling with doubts and considering returning to the old covenant and sacrificial system. They have been waiting for the return of Jesus and are questioning if their belief in Him is correct or not.
C. The writer’s purpose and message
The writer of Hebrews aims to remind the audience that Jesus is better than the old covenant and sacrificial system. He emphasizes that Jesus is greater than the prophets, Moses, Abraham, and even the angels. The writer wants to assure the audience that Jesus is the ultimate mediator of the new covenant and through His sacrifice, they have access to God and eternal life.
II. Overview of Hebrews 9
A. Summary of chapter 9
In chapter 9 of Hebrews, the writer focuses on the tabernacle and the symbolism of the old sacrificial system. He describes the layout of the tabernacle, including the sanctuary and the holy of holies, where only the high priest could enter. The writer then compares the blood of bulls and goats, which were used in the old covenant sacrifices, to the blood of Jesus. He highlights how Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because it is once and for all, unlike the temporary covering of sin that the old sacrifices provided.
B. Context of chapter 9 within the book
Chapter 9 is part of the writer’s argument throughout the book of Hebrews, where he compares Jesus to various elements of the old covenant. It serves as a continuation of the previous chapters, where the writer established Jesus’ superiority over the prophets, Moses, and the angels. The focus in chapter 9 is on Jesus’ sacrifice and how it surpasses the old sacrificial system.
III. Comparison between Jesus and the Old Covenant
A. Jesus as a better covenant
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate mediator of the new covenant, which is superior to the old covenant. The old covenant was based on the law and the obedience of the Israelites, but the new covenant is based on the sacrifice of Jesus and His righteousness. Through Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins and a direct relationship with God.
B. The limitations of the old sacrificial system
The old sacrificial system, which used the blood of animals, had limitations. It could only provide a temporary covering for sins, and the sacrifices had to be performed repeatedly. The writer of Hebrews argues that Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because it is once and for all, offering complete forgiveness and redemption.
C. The temporary nature of the blood of bulls and goats
The writer highlights that the blood of bulls and goats used in the old covenant sacrifices could only cleanse the outer body, not the conscience. It was a temporary solution that needed to be repeated regularly. In contrast, Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses our conscience from dead works and brings us into a new and lasting relationship with God.
IV. The Tabernacle in the Old Testament
A. Description of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle was a portable structure that served as a place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. It consisted of the outer courtyard, the sanctuary, and the holy of holies. The tabernacle was made of acacia wood and covered with skins. Inside, there were various furnishings and items, such as the altar of incense, the lampstand, and the showbread.
B. The symbolism and purpose of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle had symbolic significance in the Old Testament. It represented the dwelling place of God among His people and served as a physical reminder of His presence. The various furnishings and rituals performed inside the tabernacle pointed to the need for purification and forgiveness of sins. The tabernacle also foreshadowed the coming of Jesus, who would be the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
V. The Superiority of Jesus’ Sacrifice
A. The once and for all sacrifice of Jesus
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to the old sacrifices because it is once and for all. The blood of animals could only provide a temporary covering for sins, but Jesus’ sacrifice brings complete forgiveness and redemption. His sacrifice fulfilled the requirements of the law and the prophecies of the Old Testament.
B. The eternal implication of Jesus’ sacrifice
Jesus’ sacrifice not only provides forgiveness of sins but also offers eternal life with God. The writer of Hebrews highlights that through Jesus, we have access to the heavenly sanctuary and can boldly approach God. Jesus’ sacrifice has eternal implications and secures our salvation for all eternity.
VI. Salvation through Believing in Jesus
A. The importance of belief in Jesus
The writer emphasizes the importance of belief in Jesus for salvation. Believing in Jesus means acknowledging Him as the Son of God, accepting His sacrifice for our sins, and trusting in Him for salvation. It is through faith in Jesus that we receive forgiveness and become children of God.
B. Confession of Jesus as Lord
Confessing Jesus as Lord is an essential part of belief in Him. It means recognizing His authority and lordship over our lives. The writer encourages the audience to hold firmly to their confession of faith and not waver, even in the face of doubts or hardships.
C. The role of faith in salvation
The writer highlights that faith is essential for salvation. It is through faith in Jesus and His sacrifice that we are justified and made righteous before God. Good works alone cannot save us; it is our faith in Jesus that brings salvation and transforms our lives.
VII. The Relationship between Good Works and Salvation
A. Good works as a result of a transformed life
While good works are not the basis for salvation, they are a natural result of a transformed life in Christ. The writer emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through good works, as they reflect the love and righteousness of God. Good works flow from a heart that has been changed by the grace of God.
B. The role of good works in the Christian faith
Good works have a place in the Christian faith as a response to God’s love and grace. The writer urges the audience to continue in good works and love for others, as they are pleasing to God and a testimony to the world. Good works are not a means of earning salvation but a way of living out our faith in Christ.
VIII. Jesus as the Mediator of the New Covenant
A. Jesus’ role as the mediator
The writer emphasizes Jesus’ role as the mediator of the new covenant. He is the bridge between God and humanity, reconciling us to God through His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus’ mediation enables us to have a direct relationship with God, without the need for a human priest or the old sacrificial system.
B. The implications of the New Covenant
The new covenant established by Jesus brings a new relationship with God. It is not based on outward rituals or obedience to the law but on faith in Jesus and His sacrifice. The new covenant offers forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life.
C. The purification of conscience through Jesus’ sacrifice
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our consciences are purified from dead works. The writer emphasizes that the blood of Jesus is more powerful than the blood of animals, as it cleanses us from guilt and frees us from the burden of sin. Jesus’ sacrifice brings true and lasting forgiveness, removing the barrier between us and God.
IX. Access to God through the Blood of Jesus
A. The boldness to approach God
The writer highlights that through the blood of Jesus, we have the boldness to approach God. We no longer need a human mediator or the rituals of the old covenant to come before God’s presence. Jesus’ sacrifice has opened the way for us to have direct access to God and to find mercy and grace in our time of need.
B. The eternal life with God through Jesus’ sacrifice
Jesus’ sacrifice not only gives us access to God but also offers eternal life with Him. The writer emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, we can have confidence in our hope for eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice secures our salvation and guarantees our future with God in His heavenly dwelling.
X. Conclusion
A. Recap of key points
In conclusion, the writer of Hebrews addresses the doubts and concerns of Christian converted Jews. He emphasizes that Jesus is better than the old covenant and sacrificial system. Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because it is once and for all, unlike the temporary sacrifices of the old system. Through Jesus, we have access to God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.
B. Closing thoughts and encouragement
The writer concludes by encouraging the audience to hold firmly to their faith in Jesus and to continue in good works. He highlights the role of belief in Jesus, confession of Him as Lord, and the importance of faith for salvation. The writer reminds the audience of the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the access it gives them to God. He concludes with words of encouragement, urging them to persevere in their faith and reminding them of God’s love and faithfulness.