Day 318.
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, 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. 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 9:13-15 ESV)
The writer appeals to the Jews knowledge of the temple and the sacrificial system. Sacrifices were offered as a way of purifying the one bringing the offering. But it was only meant to be a temporary practice. Purification was needed but it was needed for more than just the flesh. It was needed for the Heart too. Jesus came as the true high priest that entered not the earthly copy but the heavenly temple with himself as the sacrifice. He fulfilled what the OT sacrifices only represented. Thus, the earthly temple (brick and mortar structure) and sacrifices are no longer needed. Their purpose was served.
For whom did Christ die? According to this verse, he died for “those who are called”. These receive the promised eternal inheritance. This is not the Promised Land of the geographical entity of Israel in the Middle East, but the new heavens and new earth to which OT Israel pointed.
Have you ever heard someone say they expect the temple in Israel to be rebuilt and daily sacrifices offered again? This view misses the point the OT covenant made, to prepare us to understand the Son. Are you called to receive the promised eternal inheritance? How do you know?
Thank God for Jesus for the sufficiency of Christ’s priestly service.
McCheyne’s reading plan: 1 Ch 3-4 He 9, Am 3, Ps 83-84
