Bible Studies

Hebrews Lesson 10

by Thomas Kirkpatrick
06/23/22
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Chapter 9

The author of this Book of Hebrews seeks to assure the Jewish Christians that it is Jesus and not the Old Testament Law that God’s complete plan for their salvation. In this chapter, we will continue to see the preeminence of the New Covenant by our focus on two aspects. First, the superiority of where the sacrifice for sin is applied in the New Covenant. Second is the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice compared to the Old Covenant. This chapter will lead to the summation of Chapter 10.

God instructed Moses to construct a tabernacle, a movable Temple. Inside the tabernacle were to be several artifacts and two rooms. Their purpose was a shadow of what was to come in the future. (Hebrews 8:5; 10:1) The tabernacle symbolized the place where Christ would complete God’s full plan. (Hebrews 9:23-24) The symbolism here is meant to show how limited the Old Covenant was. The curtain between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies represented the separation of man from God. (Hebrews 9:8) The earthly structure of the Temple, and the animal sacrifices, pointed to a need for a permanent spiritual solution to sin. (Hebrews 9:9-10)

Christ serves as the High Priest in Heaven and not on earth. His service is in the true Holy Place and is not a shadow or a symbol but a real work. The sacrifice of Christ is superior to animal sacrifices. Before Christ, the priests had to continually offer sacrifices, not just for the people’s sin but for theirs. (Hebrews 9:7)  Animal sacrifices can only provide an easing of conscious and ceremonial purity. (Hebrews 9:9-10) All the animal blood could not change the heart or the people from the inside.

Christ, who offered Himself, was free from sin and the perfect sacrifice. He was spotless without blemish. (Hebrews 7:28) Jesus was entirely human and the perfect sacrifice for sin and only needed to be done once. (Hebrews 7:26; 4:15) His sacrifice was not only in a better Temple but was more effective and perfect for the atonement of our sin.

The author ends this chapter with an analogy of the relationship between death and judgment. (Hebrews 9:27-28). In opposition to what other religions teach, all will face death and judgment. Jesus came once to die for all. He will come again not as a sacrifice but to finalize God’s salvation. Salvation for those who accept Christ as their Savior and judgment for those who rejected Him.

.Discussion Topics

Question: what are the two major lessons taught in this chapter?

Answer: (1) Superiority of where Jesus was sacrificed. (2) Christ is the superior sacrifice over the Old Testament.

Question: What are the two rooms in the tabernacle?

Answer: Holy Place and Holy of Holies.

Question: All in this world will face two events; what are they?

Answer: Death and Judgment.

Opinion Question

Where is the better place that Christ was sacrificed?

First Baptist Church of Durant (2020)