Hebrews 9

Verses 1-10  summarize the old covenant -
A tabernacle with the outer section and the inner Holy of Holies.
The "regulations of divine worship".
The specific duties of the priesthood, in particular the regulation for the offering of atonement, once a year by the high priest.

The writer tells us that even the tabernacle itself is a "symbol for the present time" .   For while the tabernacle was still standing there was not a way for worshipers to enter into God's Presence.  The "gifts and sacrifices" could not "make the worshiper perfect in conscience".   These laws related "only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation." (v10).

"But when Christ appeared...."  As the Great High Priest, Jesus, entered the "greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is to say, not of this creation." 
He did not bring the blood of animals, " but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption." (v12)

The old way, with the blood of animals, was used to cleanse the outside - the flesh, but was useless to cleanse the heart.
The new way, with the blood of Christ, offered without blemish, is to cleanse our "conscience from dead works to serve the living God".  

"For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance." ( v15) 

The first covenant was established by the sprinkling of blood, for Moses was instructed to sprinkle the tabernacle, the books,  the people, and even the priests with the blood of animals.  The new covenant was established also with blood, the blood of Christ.   The heavenly tabernacle is greater for it is the true one, not the shadow.. and here is where Jesus entered "to appear in the presence of God for us"!  He does not have to offer Himself year after year... but once for all!  This is the "consummation of the ages"..  Jesus was "manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

But, there is more!  For Christ, "having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." ( v28)

If Jesus had not come, we would still be outside the tabernacle, outside God's Presence, outside of any hope of salvation, or forgiveness of sins, and outside of His Kingdom.  But, Jesus did come and completed everything that the Father requires for us to be brought into His Presence.  Jesus paid the price, tore down the veil, opened the door, and calls us inside... right into the Father's House.

Father in heaven, how wonderful is Your grace towards us, that we can be called the children of God!
In Christ Jesus, we have been forgiven and made perfect in His righteousness.  How amazing that You should love us this much!  Thank You.  Father, continue to lead us into the glory of Your Presence, to worship and praise You continually.  Continue to lead us in Your paths, into Your truth, and into Your Presence this day.  We look to our High Priest and Glorious Lord,  Christ Jesus, for it is in His Name we pray, amen.