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Hebrews 9:1-10

Now even the first covenant had regulations for divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was equipped, the outer sanctuary, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Most Holy Place, having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron’s staff which budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle, performing the divine worship, but into the second, only the High Priest enters once a year, not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to food, drink, and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.”


Continually entering: The Old Testament priests had to enter to atone for sin continually both for their personal sins as well as the sins committed by the people. However, Jesus Christ died once and removed all sin for all time.

Cannot make the worshiper perfect: The Old Covenant was inferior because it could never cleanse the conscience of the worshipper. This is because sin was always before the people. But Jesus Christ does, in fact, perfect all who believe in Him (Hebrews 10:14). This finished work shows the superiority of the New Covenant.

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HEBREWS

CHAPTERS