Hebrews 9
1. Describe what you know about the Old Testament sacrificial system? Why was it
inadequate to provide final salvation and forgiveness?
Hebrews 9:1 shares that the first covenant had regulations for worship and also
an earthly sanctuary. These “regulations” involved a series of religious symbols and
practices that involved priests and a high priest carrying out specific rituals. These rituals
as outlined by Moses involved a significant amount of symbolism. Such symbolism not
only served to offer a sort of appeasement to God but also served as an illustration to
those who participated. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts
and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They
are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external
regulations applying until the time of the new order. (Heb 9:10)
2. What did the Old Testament sacrificial system provide? How does studying that
system help you as a Christian believer?
This mostly ceremonial system only provided symbolic illustrations for those
seeking restoration from God. These sacrifices were not able to clear the conscience of
the worshiper. (Heb 9:9) However, having a better understanding of the sacrificial system
allows to better grasp when Christ came, He went through the greater and more perfect
tabernacle. (Heb 9:11) His self-sacrifice became the fulfillment of what the previous
systems symbolism pointed to. With His actions, He then became the atonement
necessary to provide redemption.
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3. How did people in the Old Testament obtain eternal salvation?
All humanity has but one way to obtain eternal salvation. Only through the shed
blood of Jesus Christ can one received full forgiveness and remission of sin. The first
covenant in no way secured eternal salvation. It was an imperfect covenant needing to be
replaced, in due time, by a better more perfect covenant. For this reason, Christ is the
mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal
inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed
under the first covenant. (Heb 9:15)
4. How are salvation and forgiveness available now? Do you know that your sins are
forgiven and that when Jesus returns you will experience final salvation?
Because of the act of redemption performed by the Messiah, forgiveness of sin
and eternal salvation have become available to all. Hebrews 9:26 tells us that Jesus has
appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice
of himself. Should one choose of their own free will to enter into a covenant with Christ
by accepting His atoning sacrifice for sin, He guarantees to fulfill this covenant since He
the High Priest of the Most Holy Place. Since I am such a one who has entered into this
covenant relationship with Jesus, I am one of those who are waiting for him (Heb 9:28) to
appear and bring His salvation with Him.
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Hebrews 10
1. How do you define a willful sin? Do you fear that you have committed willful,
deliberate sins? Do you think Jesus will forgive you of these sins? What must you
do?
I would surmise that a “willful sin” is a deliberate choice to disobey our Heavenly
Father. Not only have I committed willful sins during my lifetime but so has every other
person made in the image of God that has ever lived. Even in the circumstances where
willful sin has been committed, a truly repentant heart can approach the throne of Grace
and receive forgiveness. The Holy Spirit testifies to us about the forgiveness available to
is by saying: their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. (Heb 10:17)
2. What pleases God if sacrifices do not? In what way did Jesus please the Father?
How does this bring benefits to you?
The Father is well pleased with the Son. He is pleased with His sacrificial
atonement and has seated at His right hand. Christ came to do the will of His Father. By
Jesus being faithful and obedient to the will of God, we have been made holy through the
sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb 10:10)
3. What conditions cause there to be “no longer any sacrifice for sin”?
Once Christ, as High Priest, had offered Himself as the perfect sinless sacrifice,
He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Heb 10:14) This opens up
to the believer access to the covenant no longer written on stone tablets or parchment.
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Instead, the Holy Spirit will put [His} laws in their hearts, and [He] will write them on
their minds. (Heb 10:16)
4. What does it mean to draw near to God? Have you done so?
Once a believer has entered into this eternal covenant with their Creator, He is
then given access to approach God directly as a joint heir of His Kingdom and promise.
Hebrews 10:22 encourages us to do such drawing with a sincere heart and with the full
assurance that faith brings. There is no greater joy in my life that can compare to the
glorious promise of the salvation and promise that God has assured me of.
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