The Treasures of HebrewsSample

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), He entered once for all into the holy places.” (Hebrews 9:11-12 ESV)

The claim that the Old Covenant is ineffective naturally raises questions. For example, is it really the case that all Old Testament sacrifices were made in vain?

This requires further clarification. The writer describes the tabernacle and how service to God took place there. The tabernacle had three parts, and we are talking about the third and final part, which was at the rear. Only the high priest was allowed to enter this part of the tabernacle, and only once a year. He was the only person permitted to enter to perform the acts of atonement. It was not accessible to anyone else.

Everything changed with the coming of Jesus. Rather than working in the tabernacle, He made the heavens His sanctuary. He shed His blood. With it, He entered the sanctuary. He brought about eternal redemption. Access to it is free.

This is the power of Jesus' sacrifice.

We live in an era when blood no longer speaks to our imagination. Retribution and justice are difficult concepts to put into practice. But in the kingdom of God, those terms do apply. One day, we will be judged for our works. Judgement follows death. What will matter then is that we have come to know the power of the atoning blood. All who believe will be saved. They will then meet Jesus. There is no need to fear meeting Him. What a wonderful prospect!