Hebrews 9:1-14 (from the NRSV (Anglicised))
1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tent was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies. 4 In it stood the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which there were a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat. Of these things we cannot speak now in detail.
6 Such preparations having been made, the priests go continually into the first tent to carry out their ritual duties; 7 but only the high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year, and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed as long as the first tent is still standing. 9 This is a symbol of the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshipper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various baptisms, regulations for the body imposed until the time comes to set things right.
11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!
Reflection
The tabernacle that accompanied Israel on the Exodus journey was a portable place of worship. Hebrews highlights its two-chamber design, with an outer holy place and inner shrine (9:1-5, and Exodus 26:33). Most of the priestly duties were performed in the outer tent. The inner sanctuary was protected space; only Israel’s high priest could enter, on the Day of Atonement each year (9:6-7).
Later the tabernacle made way for a fixed sanctuary, the Jerusalem temple. This had been grandly remodelled under Herod the Great from 20BC, and was eventually destroyed by Rome in 70AD (although not totally ruined; much is still visible). It seems likely that this temple was functioning when Hebrews was written, perhaps around 60AD. At its heart it too had a two-chamber pattern, with the same restricted access to the central shrine.
The outer tent, for Hebrews, symbolises the sacrificial worship of tabernacle and temple. It is one step away from the intimacy with God that the ministry of Christ makes possible, and has no power in itself to go further (9:8-9). Christ, by contrast, presents himself in a heavenly sanctuary (9:11), of which the earthly was just ‘a sketch and shadow’ (8:5). His saving work lasts for ever (9:12), without the repetition required of the temple priests (9:6). His sacrifice is personal, ‘his own blood’ (9:12), untainted by sin (4:15; 7:26; 9:14). And in offering himself voluntarily – offering his will and obedience (of which more in chapter ten) – he renews his people inwardly.
The word ‘conscience’ (9:9, 14) here means ‘consciousness’ or even ‘awareness’. Jesus’ death gives an inner assurance of pardon, which animal sacrifices could not. Many Christians today would echo Hebrews, that we know the freedom of being forgiven, because Jesus gave himself for us. His death touches and changes us on the inside.
Prayer
Jesus, by your self-giving, we are forgiven;
by your purity, we experience pardon;
through your sacrifice, we are renewed for service;
because of your life in heaven
we are confident to live for you on earth.
Thank you for your power and love.