How does Hebrews 9:26 connect with Old Testament sacrificial practices?

Hebrews 9:26 in Focus

“Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

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Old Testament Sacrificial Rhythm

• Daily burnt offerings: Exodus 29:38-42

• Weekly Sabbaths and monthly New-Moon sacrifices: Numbers 28:9-15

• Annual feasts (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles): Leviticus 23

• Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Leviticus 16:34

• Continual shedding of animal blood, yet none permanently removed sin (Hebrews 10:1-4)

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Parallels and Contrasts

• Repetition vs. Finality

– OT priests: sacrifices “again and again” (Hebrews 10:11)

– Christ: “once for all” (Hebrews 9:26; 10:10)

• Animal blood vs. Christ’s own blood

– Bulls and goats could only cover sin (Leviticus 17:11)

– “Precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish” accomplishes removal (1 Peter 1:18-19)

• Earthly copy vs. Heavenly reality

– Tabernacle made with hands (Hebrews 9:1-5, 24)

– Christ enters “heaven itself” on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24)

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Purpose of the Old Covenant Shadows

• To teach the cost of sin—life for life (Leviticus 17:11).

• To point forward to the ultimate Lamb (John 1:29).

• To prepare hearts to recognize fulfillment when “the substance belongs to Christ” (Colossians 2:17).

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Christ’s Appearance “at the End of the Ages”

• God’s timetable reached its climactic moment (Galatians 4:4).

• Prophetic anticipation met tangible fulfillment (Daniel 9:24-27; Isaiah 53).

• The sacrificial system’s symbols found their living counterpart.

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Doing Away with Sin: The Accomplishment

• “It is finished” (John 19:30) marks the completed payment.

• One sacrifice secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

• Believers stand perfected forever through that single offering (Hebrews 10:14).

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Practical Implications for Believers

• Full assurance of forgiveness—no additional sacrifice needed.

• Freedom from ritual anxiety; worship flows from gratitude, not obligation.

• Confidence to draw near to God with a cleansed conscience (Hebrews 10:22).

Hebrews 9:26 links the entire sacrificial history of Israel to the cross, showing every prior offering as a signpost toward the single, sufficient, saving act of Jesus Christ.