1. The Earthly Sanctuary: A Shadow of Heavenly Realities

Hebrews 9 begins by describing the earthly sanctuary, a place of worship that was a mere shadow of the heavenly realities. This reminds us that our earthly experiences and rituals are temporary and point us to something greater. As it says, "The first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary" (Hebrews 9:1). This encourages us to focus on the eternal and not get too caught up in the temporary.

2. The Imperfect Sacrifices of the Old Covenant

The sacrifices under the old covenant were imperfect and could not fully cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. "The gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper" (Hebrews 9:9). This teaches us that human efforts alone are insufficient for true spiritual cleansing, pointing us to the need for a perfect sacrifice.

3. Christ: The Perfect High Priest

Christ entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with human hands, to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle" (Hebrews 9:11). This highlights the superiority of Christ's priesthood and His role as our mediator.

4. The Power of Christ’s Blood

The blood of Christ is powerful enough to cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death. "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences" (Hebrews 9:14). This emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, offering us a new beginning.

5. The New Covenant: A Promise of Eternal Inheritance

Through Christ, we receive the promise of an eternal inheritance. "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15). This assures us of the hope and future we have in Him, encouraging us to live with purpose and anticipation.

6. The Necessity of Death for a Testament

Just as a will is only in effect after someone has died, the new covenant required the death of Christ. "In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it" (Hebrews 9:16). This illustrates the profound truth that Christ’s death was essential for the fulfillment of God’s promises to us.

7. The Cleansing of Heavenly Things

Even the heavenly things required cleansing, but not with the blood of animals. "It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these" (Hebrews 9:23). This points to the purity and holiness required in God’s presence, fulfilled through Christ.

8. Christ’s Once-for-All Sacrifice

Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant, Christ’s sacrifice was once for all. "Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again... But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:25-26). This underscores the completeness and sufficiency of His work on the cross.

9. The Certainty of Judgment and Salvation

Hebrews 9 reminds us of the certainty of judgment and the salvation offered through Christ. "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many" (Hebrews 9:27-28). This dual reality calls us to live with accountability and gratitude for the salvation we have received.

10. Eagerly Awaiting His Return

Finally, we are encouraged to eagerly await Christ’s return. "He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him" (Hebrews 9:28). This anticipation fuels our faith and motivates us to live in a way that honors Him, as we look forward to the fulfillment of His promises.