The Christology of Hebrews 9:11-28: The Efficacy of Christ’s Sacrifice (Blood)

From the diary of a faithful scribbler, in the previous verses we understood that the real meaning of the tabernacle can only be understood in the light of the work Jesus accomplished when He died on the Cross. In the preceeding verses we will appreciate the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice.

1. Christ sacrifice is superior because He used His own blood and with it made sufficient offering, v.12, 25-26

-          Certainly, Levitical priests used non-comprehending and non-cooperating animal but Jesus used His own blood and with it made the one sufficient offering, v. 25-26.

-          As you can see, the decisive, definitive quality of Christ’s sacrifice is emphasized, it was once and for all and with finality it dealt with sin, v. 14, 26.

2. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because it obtained our redemption, v.11-12

-          The author exposed the reality that Levitical sacrifices in the Old Covenant were incompetent because they only concerned the external purification, v. 13; but in the following verses he turns to the High Priest of good things which are already here; the Blood of Christ and what it means to us. As we know, He (Christ) entered into the Holy of Holies by means of His own blood once for all and obtained our redemption, v.11-12. Christ died as a ransom for our redemption, v.15.

3. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because it is has potency to cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, and results in the cleansed people serving the living God, v.14.

-          Certainly, the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice is incomparable. It is has potency to cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, v. 14a. Categorically, Christ’s saving work works was on quite a different level from that of Levitical sacrifices. How? Levitical sacrifices dealt with external purification while Christ’s sacrifice dealt with sins that trouble the conscience.

-          Consequentially, those who are cleansed by Christ, they serve the living God, v. 14b. Wow!

4. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because He mediates the New Covenant so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, v.15.

 Necessity for Christ’s death

ü  It was necessary for Christ to die (there was no any other way), v. 15-16, 18

ü  For a testament/covenant to be effected and for its provisions to be in force, it demanded that blood be shed, v.18-22.

ü  Without shedding of blood , there is no remission of sin (forgiveness), v.22-23

5. Christ’s sacrifice is superior because He entered heaven itself (the true sanctuary/God’s presence) to appear for us in God’s presence, v. 24.

-          Certainly, we were not worthy to stand before God and plead our case, besides, we were here on earth.

Application

A sobering reality is this, men are destined to die and death is followed by judgment. After death man will render account to God, v.27. It is certain Christ will come back again, this time not to bear sins but to bring salvation to those are His, v.28. Now, ponder on this, when Christ returns for the second time, what will be your portion, judgment or salvation? #Kata_Kauli_Sasa

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae