Hebrews 9  The first 10 verses of this chapter remind us of the "earthly tabernacle".. which is a "shadow" of the True tabernacle above.  There was the Holy Place.. with its lampstand and table. Then there was the "most Holy Place" behind the veil.. where the Ark of the covenant stood, containing the jar of manna, Aaron'r rod that budded, and the stone tablets.  It was overshadowed by the cherubim.  We are reminded that the priests entered the first room every day, to serve as they were required. But, the High Priest was the only one to enter the second room.. and then only once a year and "never without blood". 

Blood was necessary.. God's requirement for the forgiveness of sins. Verse 13 "The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean."  Moses, after he had "proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, .. took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.. "  This, he said, ".. is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep."  Everything involving the worship of the Lord, was sprinkled.. the tabernacle, all its furniture, all the instruments for use in the tabernacle.. everything was sanctified.. set apart as holy to the Lord.  "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." (v22) 

If such careful and thorough instructions were necessary for the first covenant.. the "shadow" of what was to come.. how much more is the new covenant!

"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 that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not part of this creation."  Christ entered.. not with the blood of animals.. but "by his own blood thus obtaining eternal redemption."  "How much more" the writer says, does His blood cleanse!  Not just the outward man.. but He cleanses "our consciences from acts that lead to death, sto that we may serve the living God." 

The sacrifice of Christ's blood brings eternal redemption. "a ransom to set [us] free from the sins committed under the first covenant."  He entered "heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence."  Christ's sacrifice was "once for all.. to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself."  He will not suffer again.. but he will come again.. "not to bear sin but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him." 

Our Father in heaven, how we thank You for this great Savior, our Great High Priest who even now makes intercession for us at Your right hand.  We give our praise to the Lamb who was slain and to You, our God and Father who gave us such a gift of salvation through His death on a cross.  May we walk in the Light of this Truth.. the amazing work of Jesus Christ who has obtained our redemption by offering Himself for our sins.  How can we thank You enough? We give You all the praise and honor and glory that we can offer.. and it is not enough.. "O for a thousand tongues to sing" of our great Redeemer! Lord, we are waiting for that day.. when Christ will come again! May we all be ready. Amen!