Sunday, March 16, 2025
Scripture Readings
- Primary Reading: Hebrews 9
Key Verse
Hebrews 9:15 — “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
Devotional Thought
The tabernacle of Israel was a tent of thresholds. A worshiper entered the outer court, then the Holy Place where the golden lampstand burned and the table of shewbread stood, and finally—beyond the second veil—the Holiest of all, where the ark of the covenant rested under the shadow of the cherubims, holding the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. Only the high priest passed that final veil, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, and never without blood. The people waited outside; the priest went in alone. The Holy Ghost Himself signified by this arrangement that the way into the holiest was not yet made manifest. Every animal slain, every drop of blood sprinkled, was a promise waiting for its fulfillment.
Then, in the fullness of time, Christ came. Not through the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. He did not enter a tabernacle made with hands; He entered heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. The veil that shut worshipers out has been answered by a greater veil—His flesh—torn open at Calvary. The high priest who went in alone has been replaced by a High Priest who brings many sons to glory.
Notice the logic of verse fourteen: if the blood of bulls and goats could purify the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The old sacrifices dealt with ceremonial uncleanness; they could not reach the conscience. Christ’s offering reaches deeper than ritual—it cleanses the very seat of guilt, so that service to God is no longer a fearful attempt to appease but a grateful response to finished work.
This is the season of Lent, when the church walks with Jesus toward the cross. Hebrews 9 teaches us that the cross was not an accident but the appointment of God: it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. And to those who look for Him, He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation. The first coming dealt with sin; the second will complete salvation. Between the two, we live by faith in the blood that speaks better things than that of Abel.
Reflection
- The high priest entered the Holiest of all only once a year, and the people waited outside—what does it mean to you that Christ has entered heaven itself for you, so that you may draw near with a true heart?
- Hebrews says the blood of Christ purges the conscience from dead works. Are there dead works—religious activity done out of guilt or fear rather than gratitude—from which you need to be cleansed today?
Prayer
Our great High Priest, we thank You that You did not enter a sanctuary made with hands, but heaven itself, there to appear in the presence of God for us. We confess that we have often relied on dead works and outward religion rather than the cleansing power of Your blood. Purge our consciences, we pray, and free us from every attempt to earn what You have freely given. As we walk through this Lenten season toward the cross, fix our eyes on the once-for-all sacrifice of Yourself, and make us ready to serve the living God with reverence and godly fear, until You appear the second time unto salvation. Amen.