Hebrew 9

Hello everyone! Chapter 9 of Hebrews is pretty long but also awesome so let's delve right in! In my Bible, it is divided into two parts: Worship in the Earthly Tabernacle and The Blood of Christ. The theme of this chapter is to compare the old rituals to the new rituals, made different by Christ's sacrifice. Worship in the Earthly Tabernacle describes the "old" way of worship in the tabernacle (Old referring to the Old Testament). In those times, there were two rooms: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place behind the Holy Place. Important relics were the "gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant" (v. 4). The high priest entered these rooms only once a year with animal blood to atone for the people's sins. Yet the distinction is made that these rituals were only placeholders until the new convenant arrived, explaining why animal blood has (thankfully) fallen out of style. Verse 10 explains, "They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings-external regulations applying until the time of the new order". Now that there is a new convenant, the rituals change accordingly.

The Blood of Christ section starts at verse 11. Christ's blood is now the sacrifice and obviously much more precious than simple animal blood. The animal blood was not enough to "cleanse our consciences" but Christ's blood is (verse 14)! This is how the new convenant is new and improved, the ascent from mere animals' blood to the blood of Christ. The necessity of the new convenant is stated as "a ransom to set them free from teh sins committed under the first convenant" (v. 15). Again I assumed that this referred to the Israelites again and their disobedience regarding the jounrey to the Promised Land and such. It makes sense since Moses is mentioned a bit later in the chapter. Starting in verse 16, it describes how blood is needed to prove the validity of a new covenant (assuming that the words will and covenant are synonyms/interchangeable). In Moses' time animals' blood was used, but for the new covenant Christ's blood was used. There is a constant comparison/reminder of animals' blood in the Old Testament/old covenant and Christ's blood for the New Testament/new covenant. Jesus died for our sins and then entered heaven. The enormity of this sacrifice only needs to be done once as opposed to the continual slaughter of animals that the old rituals required. Through this act, Jesus has forever wiped away our sin, thus negating the need for further animal sacrifices. This singular act is compared to mortal deaths, which only occur once as well (v. 27). To me this seemed like an unworthy comparison for us at least, to have Jesus' one death compared to our one death. There is such a big jump in intensity from the first to the second covenant that the first covenant seems to be referred to as "copies of the heavenly things" compared to the second covenant which is the real deal (v. 23). The last verse prophecies Jesus' return where he will bring salvation. Perhaps then rituals will change again to accomodate this new addition. Personally I really liked this chapter because of the logical juxtaposition between old and new. I hope I analyzed it well enough (and clearly enough!) but please feel free to add on your own thoughts and such!!

In Pittsburgh I've been hanging out with friends, watching movies, etc. Let me know if you want any details on Twilight, Australia, 7 Pounds, or Bolt. hahaha Just relaxing and sleeping a ton (probably way more than necessary). It's not as deathly windy here which is a nice change. Actually today was in the 60s? Craziness. I do miss the sermons/LIFE group meetings from ACCESS though. The sermons at my home church are just not cutting it. :/ Hope everyone is doing well and see you all soon!!


Chrissy :)