How does Hebrews 9:1 help us appreciate Christ's role as our High Priest? Setting the Scene: Earthly Sanctuary and Regulations “Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.” (Hebrews 9:1) • The Spirit reminds us that worship under Moses was not ad-lib; it came with divinely given “regulations.” • The place of worship was “earthly”—constructed of wood, gold, fabric, and animal skins (Exodus 25–27). • These details are recorded so we can trace the line from tabernacle ritual to the ministry of Jesus. Why Start with the Old Covenant? • God Himself authored the tabernacle pattern (Exodus 25:9); therefore, every piece preaches something true about His holiness. • By highlighting the “earthly” nature of the sanctuary, Hebrews prepares us to look for a heavenly counterpart (Hebrews 8:5). • The careful regulations reveal that sinners cannot invent their own path to God—someone greater must mediate. Shadows Pointing to Substance Hebrews uses the earthly sanctuary as a living illustration: 1. Location – Earthly tent ⇢ Heavenly throne room (Hebrews 9:11, 24). 2. Access – Priests enter daily ⇢ Christ enters “once for all” (Hebrews 9:12). 3. Materials – Animal blood ⇢ His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). 4. Frequency – Repeated sacrifices ⇢ Single, final offering (Hebrews 10:10-14). Colossians 2:17 affirms, “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body is of Christ.” Christ Fulfills and Surpasses the Pattern • Regulations: where priests once memorized hundreds of rules, Jesus embodies perfect obedience (Philippians 2:8). • Sanctuary: where furniture limited space, His resurrection body opens unlimited access (John 14:6). • Covenant: where the first covenant revealed sin, the new covenant removes it (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 9:15). Thus, Hebrews 9:1 is not a mere history note; it is the opening chord that makes Christ’s priestly melody ring out in full. Takeaways for Our Walk with the High Priest • Reverence: God still determines how He is approached; we come through Christ alone (Acts 4:12). • Confidence: the “earthly sanctuary” had curtains; the heavenly has an open door (Hebrews 4:16). • Gratitude: every regulation once met by animals is now met forever by the Lamb (Revelation 5:9-10). |
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