How does Leviticus 16:15 connect to Christ's sacrifice in Hebrews 9:12? The Day of Atonement: Blood Behind the Veil • Leviticus 16:15: “He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, doing with it as he did with the bull’s blood. He shall sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it.” • Once each year, only the high priest entered the Most Holy Place. • The blood of an innocent substitute covered Israel’s sins for that year, satisfying God’s righteous requirement. • Everything happened “behind the veil,” hidden from the people, emphasizing both God’s holiness and mankind’s separation. The Once-for-All Fulfillment in Christ • Hebrews 9:12: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” • Jesus, our true High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary, not the earthly copy (Hebrews 8:5; 9:24). • His own blood—infinitely precious, fully sufficient—secured redemption that never needs repeating. • The veil in the temple was torn at His death (Matthew 27:51), signaling open access to God through Him. Parallel Details That Point to Jesus • Substitute life for the guilty – OT goat’s blood temporarily covered sin. – Christ’s blood permanently removes sin (John 1:29; 1 John 1:7). • Entrance into God’s presence – OT high priest entered with fear and limitation. – Jesus entered boldly, then invited us to follow (Hebrews 10:19-20). • Frequency of sacrifice – OT: yearly, repeating cycle (Hebrews 10:1-4). – NT: once-for-all, never to be repeated (Hebrews 7:27). • Result achieved – OT: ceremonial cleansing, outward. – NT: eternal redemption, inward transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Why the Connection Matters for Us Today • Confidence: Our access to the Father rests on Christ’s finished work, not our performance (Ephesians 2:18). • Security: “Eternal redemption” means salvation is secure in Him (John 10:28-29). • Worship: Seeing the unity of Scripture deepens awe—God planned our rescue from the beginning (1 Peter 1:18-20). • Holiness: Freed from sin’s penalty, we joyfully pursue lives that match our cleansed status (Titus 2:14). |
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