Useful Bible Studies > Hebrews Commentary > chapter 9
The author of Hebrews now explains the true meaning of the Day of Atonement.
The Day of Atonement was the day when Israel’s chief priest entered the most holy room in the temple (God’s house). It only happened on one day in each year. And on that day, God forgave his people’s sins (wrong and evil deeds). See Hebrews 9:7.
The real meaning is about Christ’s return to heaven after his death. He went to God the Father there. And he did it for us.
All people are guilty of sin. And our sin has ruined our relationship with God. We deserve to die because of our sin. We deserve God’s punishment. But on the cross, Christ suffered the punishment for us (Isaiah 53:4-6). He died because of our sin.
So Christ died for us. But then, he went to God the Father on our behalf. That is why Jesus is our chief priest (Hebrews 4:14). He made it possible for people to have a right relationship with God (Hebrews 9:11-15).
Israel’s chief priest entered that holy room only briefly. He could not remain there. But when Christ entered heaven, God the Father gave him a seat at his own right side (Hebrews 1:3). Christ is still there today. And he is still our chief priest. He continues to pray and to speak to God the Father on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25).
Israel’s chief priest did his work on behalf of the people in Israel. And Christ did his work for all the people who put their trust in him. They are the people who have confessed their sin to God. They have invited him into their lives; and they have begun a new relationship with him. And so God has forgiven all their sin.
Next part: Christ: our priest and our sacrifice (Hebrews 9:25-26)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.