How does Hebrews 9:11 describe Christ's role as our high priest? Setting the Stage: The Need for a Perfect Mediator - Old-covenant priests entered an earthly tabernacle again and again, offering animal sacrifices that could only cover, never cleanse. - God promised something better—an ultimate High Priest who would bring permanent reconciliation. Reading Hebrews 9:11 “ But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation.” Key Truths Packed into One Sentence - Christ “came”—He stepped into history with deliberate purpose (John 1:14). - He is “high priest”—the singular, supreme mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). - He presides over “the good things that have come”—every spiritual blessing secured by His finished work (Ephesians 1:3). - He ministered in “the greater and more perfect tabernacle”—a heavenly sanctuary, not the temporary structure in the wilderness (Hebrews 8:1-2). The Good Things That Have Come • Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 10:17-18) • Cleansed consciences (Hebrews 9:14) • Direct access to God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) • Eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15) • Unshakeable hope (Hebrews 6:19-20) The Greater, More Perfect Tabernacle - Unlike the earthly tent made by human hands, the heavenly sanctuary is God’s own dwelling (Revelation 21:3). - Jesus did not bring animal blood into that place; He offered His own blood once for all (Hebrews 9:12). - Because the sanctuary is “not of this creation,” His sacrifice is unaffected by decay, time, or human failure. Christ’s Ongoing Priestly Ministry Today - He “always lives to intercede” for His people (Hebrews 7:25). - He appears “in the presence of God for us” right now (Hebrews 9:24). - Our security rests not on our performance but on His perpetual advocacy (1 John 2:1). Living in the Reality of Our Perfect High Priest • Draw near with confidence; the veil is torn (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Rest in the sufficiency of His once-for-all sacrifice; no further atonement is needed (Hebrews 10:12-14). • Worship with gratitude, knowing He ministers in a realm untouched by earthly limitations (Colossians 3:1-2). |
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