Text: Hebrews 9:11–15
Beloved in Christ, today we reflect on one of the most profound truths in the New Testament—that Jesus Christ is our great High Priest, ministering on our behalf in the true sanctuary, not made with human hands. Hebrews 9:11–15 opens our eyes to the heavenly ministry of Jesus and what He continues to do for us today. This isn’t just theological information—it’s life-transforming assurance of our salvation and ongoing intercession.
Christ, the High Priest of the Good Things to Come
Hebrews 9:11
“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands.”
Unlike the earthly priests, Christ ministers in the true sanctuary—heaven itself. His priesthood isn’t limited by earthly shadows or temporary rituals. This points us to the reality that He is dealing with the root of sin, not just its symbols. His priesthood inaugurates the “good things”—forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal redemption.
A Better Sacrifice Than Bulls and Goats
Hebrews 9:12
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
Jesus didn’t offer an animal—He offered Himself. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ’s offering was once for all. This means the debt of sin has been paid in full. It reminds us of what Jesus declared on the cross:
“It is finished” (John 19:30).
That wasn’t just a cry of relief—it was a declaration that the full work of atonement had been completed.
A Clean Conscience Through His Blood
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ... cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
The Old Covenant could cleanse the body ritually, but only Jesus' blood can cleanse the conscience. This speaks to inner healing, the removal of guilt and shame. Through His blood, we are not just forgiven—we are made fit to serve. As Paul says:
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
This inner cleansing gives us peace and purpose. It frees us to live not in fear of judgment, but in love and joyful obedience.
Christ’s Ongoing Intercession for Us
Romans 8:34
“Christ Jesus who died... is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
This complements Hebrews 9. Not only did Christ die for us, but He lives to pray for us. He stands in the heavenly sanctuary as our advocate. When we fall, when we struggle, when we feel unworthy—He is praying. As 1 John 2:1 says:
“We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
He is not a distant Savior. He is actively ministering on your behalf today.
A Mediator of the New Covenant
Hebrews 9:15
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance…”
Through His death and heavenly ministry, Jesus mediates a better covenant—one of grace, not law. He ensures that the promises of God are not only given but received. As Paul writes in
2 Corinthians 1:20:
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”
What About Us Now?
So what is Christ doing for us? He has entered heaven’s sanctuary, presented His blood, cleanses our consciences, intercedes constantly, and secures our inheritance.
He is our Priest, not just historically on the cross, but presently in heaven.
Let this truth stir our hearts with awe and assurance. We are not alone. Our High Priest is in the very presence of God, and He bears your name there.
Let us draw near with confidence, knowing that “we have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 8:1).
More: Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1
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