The Perfect Eternal Sacrifice for Our Sin

Hebrews 9

​Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t have limited application; it endures forever. The writer in Hebrews 9 mentions three “appearings” of Jesus Christ: a past appearing for our salvation, a present appearing for our sanctification, and a future appearing for our glorification.

Dr. Harold Willmington writes on Hebrews 9, “The Old and New Covenants are actually “testaments” or wills. Just as a will is not in force until the death of the one making it (9:16–17), so also both the Old (9:18–22) and the New (9:23–28) Covenants necessitated a death. The New Covenant necessitated the death of Christ himself, but this death occurred not once a year like the OT sacrifices (9:25) but one time only, making sufficient atonement for all who will accept his death on their behalf (9:28).

​Hebrews 9:28 includes the third and seventh steps in Christ’s sevenfold ministry on our behalf, as described in Hebrews:
•​his incarnation (see 1:2; 2:16–17)
•​his earthly ministry (see 5:7–9)
•​his crucifixion (see 2:9; 7:27; 9:28)
•​his resurrection (see 13:20)
•​his ascension (see 4:14; 6:20)
•​his heavenly intercession (see 7:25; 8:1–2; 9:12, 24)
•​his second coming (9:28).”
Hebrews 9 begins like the previous chapter with description between the Old and the New. Not between the Old and New Covenant, but between an Old and New Tabernacle and sacrifices. The OT Tabernacle and Temple had two rooms:
•​the sanctuary or Holy Place, into which any priest could go
•​the “Holiest of All” or “Most Holy Place,” into which only the high priest could go once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:1–34)

This limited access showed that no sacrifice could totally, once for all, cleanse the hearts of the people who brought it.

“These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.” Hebrews 9:6–10 (ESV)

But now Christ, the perfect High Priest, has entered the perfect Tabernacle with the perfect sacrifice of his own body for sin, making eternal life possible for all who will accept that sacrifice.

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:6–10 (ESV)

What the Old Testament high priest did every year with the blood of animals, Christ did once and for all with his own blood. The Old Testament sacrifices only had a one-year warranty. But Christ’s sacrifice was eternal and, therefore, obtained lasting redemption.
Whereas the Old Testament sacrifices could cleanse the outside, the blood of Christ can cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God. And if you’re clean on the inside, it can work its way out so that dead works that formerly sought to earn God’s favor become good works that are the result of our response to God’s favor.

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:24–26 (ESV)

Jesus didn’t enter a man-made tabernacle with traditions that were “a copy and shadow of” God’s dwelling to offer an animal sacrifice that could only provide temporary external purification. He offered the blood sacrifice of himself, giving His own life on a Cross, a symbol of ridicule to remove sin—internal and external—once and for all humanity, so that he might appear in God’s presence as a Mediator for you in heaven. Jesus isn’t the copy; he’s the real thing. His sacrifice doesn’t have limited application; it endures forever.

“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27–28 (ESV)

“It is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment.” This clear and pointed statement reminds us that death isn’t the end. Many people today live as if death is the last word. Therefore, people live to fulfill all their desires before they reach the end. Remember that death is a transition—not a conclusion. It is a change of address for all time. However, know that Judgment is coming. Jesus came the first time to bear the sins of many. He’s coming a second time to rapture believers to a prepared heaven. So, for now, we’re now living in the interim between Christ’s death and return, patiently waiting.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:14-18 (ESV)

The blood that purchased your eternal redemption came not from unwilling animals but from the Son of God who willingly laid down His life for you. The spotless Lamb of God had to die only once; the sacrifice need not be repeated.

Have you trusted that blood to save you? Have you accepted God’s gift of grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life, or are you trusting in the old sanctuary, old service, and old sacrifices? Are you trusting in your works of righteousness or good deeds to make a way for your eternity with the Father?

Today, accept Jesus’ sacrifice for you and your future. Look to a better sanctuary in heaven, and better service that is more Glorious than can be explained, and to the Perfect, Eternal Sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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