What are the "heavenly things" mentioned in Hebrews 9:23? Immediate Context of Hebrews 9:23 Hebrews 9:23 states, “Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be cleansed with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” The verse closes a unit (Hebrews 9:11-23) contrasting Israel’s Mosaic liturgy with Christ’s once-for-all atonement. Verses 11-22 describe the earthly tent, its furnishings, and the blood of goats and calves; verse 23 pivots to what those objects merely represented—“the heavenly things.” The Earthly Tabernacle as Copy Exodus 25:40 records God’s command to Moses: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5 cites this verse to show that the wilderness tabernacle was a scale model of something greater. Archaeological parallels—e.g., Late-Bronze Semitic tent-shrines recovered at Timna—demonstrate that the tabernacle’s design was unique among ANE sancta, implying a direct revelatory source rather than cultural borrowing. The Heavenly Sanctuary Primary referent: the actual dwelling-place of God. Hebrews 9:24 immediately clarifies, “For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.” The “heavenly things” include: • The true holy place where God’s throne is located (Psalm 11:4; Revelation 11:19). • The antitypical altar and mercy seat upon which the Son presents His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). Angelic Realm and Divine Council Scripture depicts a populated heaven (Job 1:6; Daniel 7:10). Christ’s atonement reconciles “things in heaven” as well as “things on earth” (Colossians 1:20). Many patristic writers, following this verse, saw demonic defilement from Satan’s rebellion (cf. Revelation 12:7-10) as requiring cosmic cleansing. Conscience of the Redeemed Hebrews twice equates “heavenly” with the purified conscience (Hebrews 9:14; 10:22). Internalized law (Jeremiah 31:33) becomes “heavenly” by origin and destiny, requiring Christ’s blood for cleansing. The Church in Union with Christ Believers are already seated “in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). The church is called a “heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22-24). Consequently, the community of the redeemed partakes in those “heavenly things” that demanded a better sacrifice. Cosmic Fabric of Creation Romans 8:20-22 teaches that material creation was subjected to futility. Hebrews 1:10-12 predicts its eventual perishing, yet 2 Peter 3:13 promises “new heavens and a new earth.” The heavenly archetype governs the renewal of the universe, and Christ’s blood secures that future. Why Heavenly Things Needed Cleansing 1. Judicial Satisfaction: God’s justice required objective propitiation in the very court of heaven (Romans 3:25-26). 2. Covenant Inauguration: Exodus 24:8 shows earthly covenant objects sprinkled with blood; the New Covenant’s locus is heavenly, demanding a superior ratification (Hebrews 9:18-22). 3. Spiritual Access: To grant redeemed humanity bold entry (Hebrews 10:19-20) the heavenly sanctuary is “consecrated” by the High Priest’s own blood. Christ’s Better Sacrifice Unlike repetitive animal offerings, Christ sacrificed Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 9:26). Resurrection vindication (Acts 2:32-33) certifies the sufficiency of His blood, a historical fact supported by 1 Corinthians 15:3-8’s early creed and multiply attested eyewitness tradition. Eschatological Fulfillment Heb 9:28 promises His return “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” The heavenly sanctuary, already cleansed, becomes the template for the descending “holy city, new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2). Synthesis of Biblical Data “The heavenly things” therefore encompass: • The actual throne-room and furniture of the true tabernacle. • The angelic-inhabited realm requiring reconciliation. • The consciences and corporate identity of believers. • The blueprint for the recreated cosmos. Practical Implications • Assurance: Our access rests on an already-purified heaven. • Worship: Earthly liturgy must mirror heavenly holiness. • Mission: We invite others into a reality already secured, not tentative. Conclusion “The heavenly things” (Hebrews 9:23) refer comprehensively to the celestial sanctuary, the angelic realm, the redeemed community, and the future cosmos—realities needing no further sacrifice because the Son’s blood has once for all rendered them holy. |
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