Chapter 9: Christ is the Perfect Sacrifice

Introduction

In Hebrews Chapter 9, the writer emphasizes the transition from the old covenant's earthly tabernacle to the new covenant's heavenly sanctuary. Christ, as the perfect sacrifice, enters the heavenly Most Holy Place, securing eternal redemption for believers through His blood.

Overview of Hebrews 9

Chapter 9 is structured as follows:

1. The earthly tabernacle and its regulations (verses 1-10)
2. Christ’s entry into the heavenly tabernacle (verses 11-14)
3. The new covenant through Christ’s blood (verses 15-22)
4. The once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (verses 23-28)

The Earthly Tabernacle (verses 9:1-10)

Verses 1-10: The earthly tabernacle was a copy of the heavenly sanctuary. It had regulations for worship, including the Most Holy Place, where the high priest could enter only once a year to offer sacrifices for himself and the people. These offerings, however, could not clear the conscience and were temporary measures until the new covenant arrived.

Christ’s Entry into the Heavenly Tabernacle (verses 9:11-14)

Verses 11-14: Christ, acting as the High Priest of the new covenant, entered the heavenly tabernacle not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood. This act secured eternal redemption and purified the conscience of believers from dead works, allowing them to serve the living God.

The New Covenant through Christ’s Blood (verses 9:15-22)

Verses 15-22: Jesus mediates the new covenant through His sacrificial death. Just as a will is activated by death, the new covenant was ratified by Christ’s death. Under the old covenant, everything was cleansed with blood—"for without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness"—but only the blood of Christ could truly atone for sin.

The Once-for-All Sacrifice of Christ (verses 9:23-28)

Verses 23-28: Christ’s sacrifice was not made repeatedly like the animal sacrifices of the old covenant. Instead, He offered Himself once for all, entering the heavenly sanctuary and appearing before God on behalf of humanity. At the end of the ages, He will appear again, not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Christ’s sacrifice differ from the sacrifices offered under the old covenant?
2. What does it mean that Christ entered the heavenly tabernacle once for all?
3. How does the cleansing of the conscience through Christ’s blood affect our relationship with God?
4. What is the significance of Christ’s second coming, as described in verse 28?

OT Verses Quoted in Hebrews Chapter 9

• Hebrews 9:20 - Exodus 24:8

  "Then Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people, declaring, 'Look, this blood confirms the covenant the LORD has made with you in giving you these instructions.'"

Key Themes and Takeaways

1. Contrast Between Old and New Covenants: The chapter contrasts the temporary and symbolic nature of the old covenant's tabernacle and sacrifices with the eternal, effective work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
2. Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice: Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices under the old covenant, Christ offered Himself once for all, securing eternal redemption and purification for believers.
3. Cleansing of the Conscience: The blood of Christ not only covers sins but cleanses the conscience, allowing believers to serve God freely without guilt from dead works.
4. The New Covenant Ratified by Christ’s Blood: Just as the old covenant was ratified by the blood of animals, the new covenant is confirmed and established through the sacrificial death of Christ.
5. Christ’s Future Return: The chapter concludes with the promise of Christ’s second coming, not to deal with sin but to bring full salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

Conclusion

Hebrews Chapter 9 emphasizes Christ’s role as the perfect sacrifice, whose blood secured eternal redemption and established the new covenant. This chapter contrasts the limitations of the old covenant with the eternal and effective nature of Christ’s sacrificial work.