Digging Into Today’s Text

Here is the quoted text in its paragraph:

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” (Hebrews 9:24)

The book of Hebrews provides a comprehensive explanation of Christ’s role as the ultimate high priest and the superiority of His sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrificial system. In the preceding paragraphs (Hebrews 9:11-23), the author describes how the earthly tabernacle, with its holy places made by human hands, served as a symbolic representation and copy of the true heavenly sanctuary.

However, the subsequent paragraphs (Hebrews 9:25-28) expand upon the significance of the statement in Hebrews 9:24. It explains that Jesus’ entry into the true heavenly sanctuary, far superior to the earthly copies, was to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus not only made atonement for our sins but also gained direct access to God’s presence as our advocate and mediator.

The following verses emphasize the once-for-all nature of Christ’s sacrifice, contrasting it with the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Testament. They highlight that Jesus doesn’t need to offer Himself repeatedly, like the earthly high priests did with animal sacrifices, but His sacrifice was sufficient and eternal. The subsequent paragraphs reiterate the finality and efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice, pointing out that He will return to bring salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.

In summary, Hebrews 9:24 declares that Christ, unlike the earthly high priests, entered not into earthly holy places but into heaven itself. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent paragraphs to emphasize the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice, His role as our high priest who intercedes on our behalf in the presence of God, and the eternal nature of His redemptive work. It underscores the central theme of the book of Hebrews, highlighting Jesus as the perfect and ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

Here are two additional scriptures that expand on the meaning of Hebrews 9:24 and help us understand its significance:

1. 1 Timothy 2:5-6: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

This verse from Paul’s letter to Timothy reinforces the idea presented in Hebrews 9:24 that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity. It emphasizes the unique role of Christ as the bridge between us and God. Just as Hebrews portrays Jesus entering the heavenly sanctuary to appear in God’s presence on our behalf, 1 Timothy affirms that Jesus is the only mediator who can reconcile us to God. It further highlights that Christ’s sacrificial act of giving Himself as a ransom is the ultimate testimony of His redemptive work, providing salvation for all who believe.

2. Hebrews 4:14-16: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

This passage, also from the book of Hebrews, complements the message of Hebrews 9:24 by emphasizing the compassionate nature of Jesus as our high priest. It reassures believers that Jesus, having passed through the heavens and being the Son of God, is fully qualified to understand and empathize with our weaknesses and struggles. Just as Hebrews 9:24 affirms that Jesus appears in the presence of God on our behalf, Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we can receive mercy and find grace in our time of need through our high priest, Jesus Christ.

These two additional scriptures help us understand the text in Hebrews 9:24 by reaffirming the unique role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity, emphasizing His sacrificial act of redemption, and highlighting His compassion and understanding as our high priest. Together, they provide a broader context and deeper insight into the significance of Christ’s intercession on our behalf and our access to God’s mercy and grace through Him.