How does Hebrews 9:23 emphasize the necessity of heavenly things being purified? Setting the Scene: Copies and Realities • Hebrews 9:23 declares: “So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” • “Copies” refers to the earthly tabernacle, furniture, and priestly ministry—tangible shadows meant to mirror the true, unseen sanctuary (Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:40). • If even these temporary models needed blood to cleanse them, the real, heavenly realm—the dwelling place of God and the final meeting place for redeemed people—absolutely required an even greater purification. Why Anything in Heaven Would Need Purifying 1. Universal contamination • Sin’s reach is cosmic. Scripture pictures creation itself groaning under its weight (Romans 8:22). • Satan once had access to heavenly courts (Job 1:6; Revelation 12:7-10). Christ’s atoning work decisively removes every lingering accusation or stain in that realm. 2. Covenant inauguration • Just as Moses sprinkled blood to inaugurate the first covenant (Hebrews 9:18-21), the new covenant is inaugurated with Christ’s blood—this time applied not to earthly replicas but to the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24). 3. Unhindered access for believers • Purified “heavenly things” ensure a perfectly holy environment for redeemed worshipers to draw near with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-22; Revelation 21:27). The “Better Sacrifice”: Christ’s Own Blood • Animal blood cleansed furniture; Christ’s blood cleanses consciences and makes the heavenly sanctuary fit for eternal fellowship (Hebrews 9:11-14). • “Better” underscores superiority in value, effectiveness, and permanence (Hebrews 7:22-25). • Through His once-for-all offering, Jesus “made purification for sins” and then “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). Echoes Across Scripture • Colossians 1:20 —“and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things…making peace through the blood of His cross.” • Ephesians 1:7 —“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” • Leviticus 16 (Day of Atonement) provides the Old Testament template, pointing forward to the true High Priest who enters the superior sanctuary. What This Means for Us Today • Assurance: Our entrance into God’s presence rests on a fully purified, perfectly secure heavenly sanctuary. • Confidence: Because the work is complete, we approach God boldly, not gingerly (Hebrews 4:16). • Worship: Seeing the immeasurable cost of cleansing—Christ’s own blood—fuels grateful, wholehearted devotion. Summary Hebrews 9:23 presses home the necessity of heavenly purification by contrasting inferior earthly copies with the superior, eternal reality. Sin’s pollution ran so deep that even heaven’s throne room required cleansing, and only the infinitely valuable blood of Jesus could accomplish it. The result: a flawlessly holy dwelling where God and His people enjoy unhindered fellowship forever. |
    |