Hebrews 9:8-9a

August 2, 2020 - Pastor Jacob

Hebrews 9:8-9a “By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing (which is symbolic for the present age).” There is a contrast between the purpose of the tabernacle and heaven itself. There is a radical distinction between the time when worship in the tabernacle was in fashion and what Christ offered by His entrance into the presence of God as High Priest. The Holy Spirit provided special revelation to the author of Hebrews for the understanding that Christ would fulfill the symbolism of the Mosaic system. The symbolism in types (tupos) was no accident but came by divine design. The way into God’s presence was not fully revealed in the Old Testament; that remained for the coming of Christ. The symbol or antitype to the “holiest of All” is heaven. As long as the tabernacle stood, God’s work to save people from their sin was not complete. The Holy Spirit indicated that free access into the presence of God could not be made by symbols. A symbol merely points to the reality beyond itself. The “present time” was the time when temple worship was in style. There is a contrast between the limited access to God and the free access to Him under Christ. The New Covenant by Christ rendered the Old Covenant obsolete. The old had restricted access to God’s presence, but the New Covenant provides open access to God. Thank you Lord!