Hebrews 9:11-14

Christ's Blood, His Sacrifice

The Old Testament pointed to Christ's coming when all the things of the past were to change. Christ has a more perfect tabernacle which is his church, as Milligan states. Christ entered heaven once with His blood to make an offering for all the people's sins. This would be in contrast with the annual entry into the Most Holy with the blood of a calf or young bullock already mentioned as a part of the old law. Then, under the new covenant the ransom price has been paid and will be valid eternally.

Under the old law, the people were cleansed by the blood of bulls and goats. The blood of bulls and goats was used in several different sacrifices, including those on the Day of Atonement. The ashes of a red heifer were kept for the water of separation (Numbers 19:1-22). Those who were unclean, especially because of touching the dead, had to use this water to be cleansed. This cleansing was only ceremonial and outward, thus a purification "of the flesh." In contrast, the writer describes the cleansing effect of the blood of Christ. He gave His own body in complete obedience to God (1 Peter 2:5-8). With the "conscience" man understands the will of God. While the blood of bulls and goats could only cleanse flesh, Christ's blood cleanses the conscience. Jesus offered Himself through His own divine and eternal spirit. The cleansing under the old law was only temporary. Christ's pure blood stands as an effective sacrifice until the end of time (Hebrews 9:11-14).