WHAT
THE CROSS DID FOR US
REDEMPTION:
GOD SETS US FREE
Hebrews
9:1-15
Jerry
A Collins
SCC
¨
Is
the Old Testament system only shadow of things to come?
¨
What
reality does Jesus bring in contrast to the old shadow?
¨
What
kind of Priest and tabernacle is necessary today?
INTRODUCTION:
At 300 meters (320.75 m including
antenna), and 7,000 tons, the
INTRODUCTION:
1. CHRIST’S
PAYMENT IS NEEDED 9:1-10
There was an earthly holy place before
Christ v1. The tabernacle and OT Priesthood but it is not enough.
A. Parts &
Furniture of the Tabernacle 1-5
Here is a review of the OT tabernacle
ritual and parts vs 1. It had 2 parts called a
holy place (vs 2) and Holy of Holies (vs 3). Moses constructed it as specified by God. It was
a model on earth of the real tabernacle in heaven (Rev 15:5-7). The original
temple was David’s idea and God allowed Solomon to build it. The 2nd
temple was commanded by God (Hag 1:1-4) for the Messiah to enter in His
ministry. But the temple is not the model of the heavenly tabernacle because
the
The
Holy Place contained 3 items.
First
was the table of showbread every Sabbath 12 freshly baked loaves of bread
representing the 12 tribes placed there. This bread of presence was holy and
only eaten by the priests.
Second,
the 7-branched candlestick made of gold with pure olive oil burned in it night
and day.
Third,
the altar of incense, the burring incense symbolizing the people’s
prayers rising to God continually.
The
Holy of Holies (vs 3) was
beyond a veil and in it stood the ark of the covenant
made of gold and wood. It contained a golden pot holding a sample of manna God
used to feed His people in wilderness, Aaron’s rod that budded (Num 17) and the
stone tablets of the law engraved by God’s finger. Sitting above this ark stood
two cherubim, images of guarding type angels each with a wing stretched over
the top called the mercy seat and a wing covering him. It was at this mercy
seat that the presence of God was. All of these had typological value but
could not be discussed just now because the important thing is the reality not
the type (vs 5). He’s getting to that.
B. The Priestly
service 6-10
(1) This priestly work in the
(2) The priestly service in the Holy
of Holies had greater restrictions vs 7. They
included A. Holy of Holies entered only once a year on day
of Atonement. B. Only High Priest could enter. C. He needed same protection of
the blood as the offerers. This will be compared to
Christ’s blood which had saving value because it brought about His death and
thus a payment. This whole regimented system revealed 2 of it’s
weaknesses. First, this system/service could not reconcile a person to God.
This restricted access clearly demonstrated that a
entrance into God’s presence had not yet been disclosed vs
8. The Levitical system did not allow people access
to God. Second, this system/service was unable to reach the conscience vs 9-10. Its ceremonies could only cleanse the outer
man. In our age as well as the OT gifts and sacrifices we make cannot take away
sins. The food, washings, regulations are only temporary and insufficient.
These externals were only meant to apply until the time of the new order to
arrive. Patterns are never meant to substitute for reality.
2. CHRIST’S PAYMENT IS
SUFFICIENT 11-22
A. Because of the
scene in which it takes place vs 11. It
is not an earthly but a heavenly tabernacle. This is a contrast between the
earthly sanctuary and the divine ideal one in which Christ entered. This is
both greater and more perfect work than the old. Payment was settled in heaven.
B. Because of the nature
of this offering vs 12. The
goat was for the people (Lev
priest
(Lev
C. Because of the
accomplishment of this sacrifice vs
12. The value of this sacrifice is immeasurably greater than
the animal offerings of the old system. A perfect ransom price been paid for
human redemption and because there is no need to be paid again that redemption
is an eternal one!
D. It provides us with
genuine cleansing 13-14. Old covenant rituals only cleaned the
outside. But Christ’s sacrifice was absolutely perfect. So much so, that there
is no reason to return to the dead works of the old system that could not do
this inside job on us. In contrast to Christ’s work which, that old system can
never impart spiritual life to us. It is the blood of Christ, which removes our
defilement, cleanses our conscience and sets us free. (Discovery channel show
about people wanting to be freed of guilt by turning selves in).
E. It Ratifies a new
covenant 15 A new covenant is needed and Christ is it’s
mediator so we can receive an eternal inheritance vs
15. A blood covenant is unchangeable when it has been ratified by blood. Until
that point the terms can be changed. Christ ratified it with his own blood. The
death of Christ retroactively covered the sins of OT saints. Their faith was
reckoned as righteousness but their actual holiness, which gave them the
ability to stand before God was accomplished when, and only when Jesus died on
the cross. Abe, Moses and David were redeemed the same time you and I were—when
Jesus died on the cross to actually pay for sin
APPLICATION:
(1) The worship we offer to God is
pale reflection of the true worship in heaven. Our liturgy, forms, institutions
are no more sacred than furniture of the tabernacle.
(2) The old was a preview of coming
attractions in Jesus Christ. It is completed and the new is here.
(3) My sins and everyone else’s were
paid for when Christ died on the cross.