What is the meaning of Hebrews 9:23? So it was necessary “So it was necessary…” (Hebrews 9:23) tells us that what follows is not optional or symbolic only—it is God-ordained. As Hebrews 9:22 states, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Divine justice required a blood remedy, just as Luke 24:26 says the Messiah “had to suffer these things” and Acts 17:3 notes that “the Christ had to suffer and rise again.” Necessity flows from God’s holiness and covenant faithfulness, not from human tradition. for the copies of the heavenly things The earthly tabernacle and its furnishings were “copies” (Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:40). They mirrored the true sanctuary in heaven, giving Israel a tangible picture of unseen realities. Colossians 2:17 speaks of such symbols as “a shadow of the things to come.” These copies were temporary teaching tools pointing forward to the genuine, eternal realm. to be purified with these sacrifices Leviticus 16 describes how animal blood was sprinkled on the altar, the veil, and the mercy seat on the Day of Atonement. Hebrews 9:19-21 reminds us Moses “sprinkled the scroll and all the people” with blood. • Animal sacrifices dealt ceremonially with Israel’s sin. • They cleansed physical space defiled by human transgression. • Yet Hebrews 10:4 is clear: “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” The ritual was effective only insofar as it pointed ahead to something greater. but the heavenly things themselves Heaven itself is perfectly pure (Revelation 21:27), yet Hebrews 9:24 says Christ “entered heaven itself, now to appear in God’s presence on our behalf.” The “cleansing” of heaven is about securing our access to God’s throne. Our sin would bar us; therefore, Christ’s work applies to the heavenly realm so redeemed people can enter boldly (Hebrews 4:14-16). The action is not to remove impurity from God’s dwelling but to establish a righteous basis for our presence there. with better sacrifices than these “Better” echoes a theme running through Hebrews (7:19, 22; 8:6). The “better sacrifices” are concentrated in the once-for-all offering of Jesus: • Hebrews 7:27—He “sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” • Hebrews 9:12—He entered the Most Holy Place “by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19—We were redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” The plural “sacrifices” underscores how Christ’s one sacrifice fulfills and surpasses every Old Testament offering combined. No repetition is needed (Hebrews 10:11-14). summary Hebrews 9:23 teaches that God required blood to cleanse the earthly sanctuary because it was only a copy. Those limited sacrifices pointed to the superior, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood opened heaven for forgiven sinners. The verse highlights both the seriousness of sin and the sufficiency of Christ, assuring believers that our access to God rests on a perfect, completed work. |
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