How does Hebrews 9:20 emphasize the importance of Jesus' blood in the covenant? Setting the Scene Hebrews 9 walks us through the tabernacle and sacrificial system, then lands on a single sentence: “ ‘This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.’ ” (Hebrews 9:20) The Exodus Connection • The writer quotes Moses in Exodus 24:8, when Israel’s first covenant was sealed with animal blood. • By spotlighting that moment, Hebrews deliberately links Sinai to Calvary: the old covenant’s inauguration prefigures the new covenant’s ratification in Christ. • The point: covenant relationship with God has always been blood-bought. The Meaning of Blood in Covenant • Legally binding—Blood was the solemn signature that made the covenant irrevocable. • Purifying—Hebrews 9:22: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Representative—The life of the substitute stands in for the life of the covenant people (Leviticus 17:11). How Hebrews 9:20 Points to Jesus • Typology fulfilled: the sprinkled blood at Sinai foreshadows Christ’s blood “sprinkled” on our hearts (Hebrews 10:22). • Superior sacrifice: animals could never cleanse the conscience; Jesus offers His own undefiled blood once for all (Hebrews 9:12). • Commanded obedience: “which God has commanded you to keep” underscores that acceptance of Christ’s blood is not optional—it is God’s ordained way to enter covenant fellowship. Supporting Scriptures • Matthew 26:28: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19: we are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” • Hebrews 10:29 warns against “profaning the blood of the covenant,” showing its supreme value. Life Implications • Assurance—Because the covenant rests on Jesus’ perfect blood, our standing with God is secure, not fragile. • Cleansing—Guilt cannot cling where Christ’s blood has been applied; consciences are washed clean. • Obedience—The covenant calls for wholehearted devotion; grace never nullifies the “command” element. • Worship—Every Lord’s Supper cup proclaims the centrality of His blood until He comes. Key Takeaways • Hebrews 9:20 anchors the entire new covenant in the poured-out blood of Jesus. • From Sinai to the Cross, covenant blessing is impossible without a divinely appointed sacrifice. • Trust, rest, and live in the unshakeable covenant secured by the blood God Himself provided. |
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