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Hebrews 9

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1 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. 6 When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. 7 But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! 15 Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive. 18 That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship. 22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 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. 24 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God. 25 Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 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. 27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

‹ Chapter 8 Hebrews — All Chapters Chapter 10 ›

Study Notes — Hebrews 9

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Chapter Summary

Hebrews chapter 9 begins by describing the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of incense, the table of showbread, and the Ark of the Covenant. The author then explains that the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the people's sins, using the blood of animals. However, Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things to come, entering the heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, thereby securing eternal redemption for believers. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of Christ's sacrifice, which has perfected believers forever, and warning against rejecting this great salvation.

Context for the Chapter

Hebrews chapter 9 is part of a larger argument in the book of Hebrews, which seeks to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant. The chapter follows the author's discussion of Christ's role as the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13) and precedes the warning against rejecting the great salvation (Hebrews 10:26-31). The chapter's themes and motifs are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, particularly the book of Exodus and the institution of the old covenant.

Heart Application

As believers, we must respond to the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice with faith and obedience. We must also recognize the superiority of Christ's covenant over the old covenant, and live in light of the eternal redemption that has been obtained for us. This means trusting in Christ alone for salvation, and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Hebrews chapter 9 explains how Jesus Christ is the perfect high priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption for believers. This chapter shows that Christ's sacrifice is superior to the old covenant's animal sacrifices, and that He has perfected believers forever (Hebrews 9:12, 14). As believers, we must trust in Christ alone for salvation and seek to honor Him in all aspects of our lives.

Voices from the Church

“The blood of Christ is the very life of the gospel, and the foundation of all our hopes for eternity.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The sacrifice of Christ is not only a satisfaction for our sins, but also a sanctification, by which we are made holy and blameless in the sight of God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Earthly Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-5) — The author describes the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings, highlighting its limitations and impermanence.
  2. The Annual Atonement (Hebrews 9:6-10) — The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the people's sins, using the blood of animals.
  3. The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14) — Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things to come, entering the heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood.
  4. The Cleansing of the Conscience (Hebrews 9:15-22) — Christ's sacrifice has perfected believers forever, cleansing their consciences from dead works to serve the living God.
  5. The Warning Against Rejection (Hebrews 9:23-28) — The chapter concludes with a warning against rejecting the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience.

Core Doctrines

The Atonement
Hebrews chapter 9 teaches that Christ's sacrifice has obtained eternal redemption for believers, demonstrating the definitive nature of His work.
The Priesthood of Christ
The chapter presents Christ as the high priest of the good things to come, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption for believers.
The New Covenant
The chapter emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant, highlighting the eternal benefits and perfecting work of Christ's sacrifice.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter concludes with a warning against rejecting the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience.

Lessons from Hebrews 9

  1. The Importance of Christ's Sacrifice — Christ's sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation, and it has obtained eternal redemption for believers.
  2. The Superiority of the New Covenant — The new covenant is superior to the old covenant, highlighting the eternal benefits and perfecting work of Christ's sacrifice.
  3. The Warning Against Rejection — The chapter concludes with a warning against rejecting the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience.
  4. The Cleansing of the Conscience — Christ's sacrifice has perfected believers forever, cleansing their consciences from dead works to serve the living God.
  5. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience, and the consequences of rejecting Christ's sacrifice.

Themes from Hebrews 9

  1. The Priesthood of Christ — The chapter presents Christ as the high priest of the good things to come, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption for believers.
  2. The New Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant, highlighting the eternal benefits and perfecting work of Christ's sacrifice.
  3. The Atonement — Hebrews chapter 9 teaches that Christ's sacrifice has obtained eternal redemption for believers, demonstrating the definitive nature of His work.
  4. The Importance of Faith — The chapter concludes with a warning against rejecting the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience.
  5. The Cleansing of the Conscience — Christ's sacrifice has perfected believers forever, cleansing their consciences from dead works to serve the living God.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are the limitations of the earthly tabernacle, and how does it contrast with the heavenly sanctuary?
  2. How does Christ's sacrifice demonstrate the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant?
  3. What is the significance of Christ's entry into the heavenly sanctuary, and how does it relate to our salvation?
  4. How does the chapter's warning against rejection relate to our response to the gospel, and what are the consequences of rejecting Christ's sacrifice?
  5. How can we apply the teachings of Hebrews chapter 9 to our lives, and what practical implications does it have for our faith and obedience?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Earthly Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-5)

9:1 The author describes the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings, highlighting its limitations and impermanence.
9:2 The tabernacle had a holy place and a Most Holy Place, with a veil separating the two.

2. The Annual Atonement (Hebrews 9:6-10)

9:6 The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the people's sins, using the blood of animals.
9:7 The high priest would offer sacrifices for himself and for the people's sins, highlighting the limitations of the old covenant.

3. The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14)

9:11 Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things to come, entering the heavenly sanctuary once for all.
9:12 Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption.

4. The Cleansing of the Conscience (Hebrews 9:15-22)

9:15 Christ's sacrifice has perfected believers forever, cleansing their consciences from dead works to serve the living God.
9:16 The covenant is confirmed by the death of the testator, highlighting the definitive nature of Christ's work.

5. The Warning Against Rejection (Hebrews 9:23-28)

9:23 The heavenly things themselves had to be purified with these sacrifices, highlighting the superiority of Christ's sacrifice.
9:24 Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, but He entered the true sanctuary in heaven, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the earthly tabernacle in Hebrews chapter 9?

The earthly tabernacle serves as a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, highlighting the limitations and impermanence of the old covenant. (Hebrews 9:1-5)

How does Christ's sacrifice demonstrate the superiority of the new covenant?

Christ's sacrifice has obtained eternal redemption for believers, demonstrating the definitive nature of His work and the superiority of the new covenant. (Hebrews 9:11-14)

What is the warning against rejection in Hebrews chapter 9?

The chapter concludes with a warning against rejecting the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience. (Hebrews 9:24-28)

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Hebrews 9:1 → Exodus 25:8 The earthly tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, highlighting the limitations and impermanence of the old covenant.
2 Hebrews 9:7 → Leviticus 16:2 The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the people's sins, using the blood of animals.
3 Hebrews 9:12 → John 1:1 Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things to come, entering the heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood.
4 Hebrews 9:15 → Galatians 3:17 Christ's sacrifice has perfected believers forever, cleansing their consciences from dead works to serve the living God.
5 Hebrews 9:24 → Romans 8:34 Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, but He entered the true sanctuary in heaven, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
6 Hebrews 9:26 → 1 Peter 3:18 Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
7 Hebrews 9:28 → 2 Timothy 4:8 Christ will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
8 Hebrews 9:1 → Psalm 77:13 The earthly tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, highlighting the limitations and impermanence of the old covenant.

Sermons on Hebrews 9

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill "A Million Roads Into Hell" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the eternal consequences of not choosing salvation through Jesus Christ, highlighting the stark contrast between the eternal joy of heaven and the despair of
Major Ian Thomas Knowing Jesus by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher addresses the idea that many people have been "house trained" or "brainwashed" into thinking that once they make a decision to follow God and attend ch
David Wilkerson Are You Ready for the Coming of Jesus by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the coming of Jesus and the signs that will precede it. He references the scripture in Matthew 24, where Jesus compares his co
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc
David Wilkerson The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on mate
David Wilkerson Overcoming Satan by the Blood of Jesus by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concern of how to maintain righteousness and be a shining light in a world that is becoming increasingly dark. The preacher emphasizes th
Leonard Ravenhill If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 3 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a marriage hall where people were dancing and having a good time. Suddenly, the Queen of the Underworld enters and starts dancing
Leonard Ravenhill My Peace by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between how the world gives and how Jesus gives. He uses the example of a cautious deacon in the church who would carefully m
David Wilkerson Eating and Drinking With the Drunken by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of guarding one's eyes, ears, and diet from sinful influences. He leads the congregation in a prayer of repentance for consum
Warren Wiersbe The Best Is Yet to Come by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, Peter emphasizes the theme of glory and the wonderful future that awaits Christians. He highlights the importance of serving and being faithful in one's role within

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hebrews 9

In this chapter, the apostle shows the insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood and the tabernacle, and the necessity of a better priesthood and a more perfect tabernacle. Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things to come, entering the heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption. The apostle warns against rejecting this great salvation, emphasizing the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience. This chapter teaches us the importance of Christ's sacrifice, the superiority of the new covenant, and the necessity of faith and obedience in our response to the gospel. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Earthly Tabernacle

The author of Hebrews describes the earthly tabernacle in detail, highlighting its limitations and impermanence. This serves as a contrast to the heavenly sanctuary, which is eternal and perfect.

The Importance of Blood

The chapter emphasizes the importance of blood in the old covenant, as well as in Christ's sacrifice. This highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement.

The Warning Against Rejection

The chapter concludes with a warning against rejecting the great salvation secured by Christ's sacrifice. This emphasizes the importance of responding to the gospel in faith and obedience.

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