Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Hebrews

Chapter 9

[1] Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. [2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. [3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; [4] Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; [5] And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. [6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. [7] But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: [8] The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: [9] Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

Verse 1

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
Question	Answer
What is the "first covenant?"	The Law Covenant.
What kind of ordinances were involved with the "first covenant?"	"Ordinances of divine service."
What kind of service was involved?	"Divine service."
If this was a divine service, how could it be "a worldly sanctuary?"	Because it was built by men, it was operated by men. Men carried out all the services. It was for men, to give them access to God.

Verse 2

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary.
Question	Answer
What was in the first compartment of the tabernacle?	Candlestick, table of showbread and the golden altar.
What was this compartment called?	The Holy. T13:footnote

Verse 3

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Question	Answer
What was after the second veil?	The "Holiest of all" or the "Most Holy."

Verses 4,5

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; [5] And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Question	Answer
What furniture was found in the Most Holy?	The ark of the covenant. Please see Q27:5; Q702:2; CR275:4. See also Diaglott vss. 2-4 "For a Tabernacle was prepared -- the FIRST -- in which were both the LAMP-STAND and the TABLE, and the LOAVES of the presence, and the GOLDEN Altar of incense; this is named, "The HOLY place;" [3] And behind the SECOND Vail, THAT Tabernacle which is NAMED, "The HOLY of the HOLIES;" [4] having the ARK of the COVENANT, covered on all sides with Gold, in which was a golden Vase containing the MANNA, and the ROD of Aaron which BLOSSOMED, and the TABLETS of the COVENANT." The Ark of the Covenant was in the Most Holy - Exo. 40:2-3 Next comes the 'veil' separating the Most Holy from the Holy - Exo. 40:3 Table of Shewbread, Candlestick, Golden Altar are next (in the Holy) - Exo. 40:4-5 The door (entrance from the court to the Holy) is next - Exo. 40:5
Of what material was the ark of the covenant made?	Acacia wood covered with gold. Exo. 25:10,11
What was in the ark of the covenant?	The golden pot of manna. Aaron's rod that budded. Tables of the Law.
What was over the ark of the covenant?	The golden lid. The base of this lid was called the mercy-seat. On top of the mercy-seat were two cherubims of glory. Exo. 25:17-20

Verse 6

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
Question	Answer
Into which compartment did the priests have free access?	The "first tabernacle (i.e. the first compartment of the tabernacle)" or the "Holy."

Verse 7

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
Question	Answer
How often did the High Priest enter the Most Holy?	Once a year.
What did he need to take with him?	The blood of the bullock and then the blood of the goat.
For whom did he offer blood?	For himself and for the people.

Verse 8

The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Question	Answer
What does the priest offering blood in the Most Holy teach?	"That the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." - In other words, the High Calling was not open until Christ fulfiled the ordinances of the law and was raised to life and presented the merit of the Ransom to the Father.
What do we need to come to this understanding?	The guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 9,10

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Question	Answer
Paul makes reference to the activities of the High Priest (in the preceding verse) and then says this "was a figure for the time then present." What did he mean by this?	He meant it was typical. It had special meaning for the saints of the Gospel Age. But for the Israelites of that time it was merely a figure, i.e., it had no special significance.
What were some of the gifts offered by the priests?	Num. 15:18-21; The tithes, the first of their bread. The heave offering. Num. 18:11;
What were some of the sacrifices offered by the priests?	Primarily the Bullock and the Goat.
Did these "gifts and sacrifices" make those who did the service perfect?	No.
If it did not make them actually perfect, did it make them perfect in their conscience?	No.
Were these rituals voluntary?	No. They were "imposed on them."
What kind of ordinances were these?	The standard version says they were "carnal." The word "carnal" carries the thought of sinful and these were definately not sinful because they were the instructions from God. The word here translated "carnal" is simply the word "flesh." This word (Strong's 4561) is used to describe the flesh of Jesus, the perfect man. It does not, therefore, necessarily indicate sinful flesh. See John 1:14; 6:51
For how long were these rituals to be in place?	"Until the time of reformation," i.e., until Jesus had opened the new and living way.

[11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [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. [16] For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. [18] Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. [19] For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, [20] Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. [21] Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. [22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Verse 11

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Question	Answer
What kind of high priest is Christ?	Of good things to come.
What is the greater tabernacle?	The greater and the more perfect tabernacle is the Church.
If God designed the original tabernacle, why does Paul here refer to a "more perfect tabernacle?"	The one is merely a type of the other. The one is of the earth and the other (the church) is (when complete) Divine.

Verse 12

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Question	Answer
To what is Paul referring when he speaks of "the blood of goats and calves?"	The typical Day of Atonement sacrifices.
How could Jesus enter into the holy place with his own blood?	He entered into heaven itself with the value of his blood, his life poured out. John 10:17,18
For what length of time is our redemption?	For eternity.

Verses 13,14

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Question	Answer
What did the blood of bulls and goats do?	They sanctified (typically) to the purifying of the flesh.
What is Paul talking about when he mentions "the ashes of an heifer?"	This has to do with the Red Heifer which was burned outside the camp. Its ashes were used to cleans those who came in contact with a dead body. This pictured the ancient worthies who will be used to help mankind get free from the effects of Adamic sin (as opposed to the sacrifices of the Day of Atonement which were designed to remove the indivudual's moral guilt.) T111:1
What did the sprinkling of the ashes of an heifer do?	It sanctified (typically) to the purifying of the flesh.
With what is the blood of Christ being contrasted?	It is being contrasted with the blood of the bullock and the goat and the ashes of the red heifer.
What is the significance of Christ offering himself to God?	His was a free-will offering. John 10:17,18 - This was pictured in the Day of Atonement sacrifices as it was the High Priest (symbolic of Jesus' New Creature) that slew the bullock (symbolic of Jesus' humanity.) - Jesus was not commanded to do this, it was his choice to do this.
What is the significance of Christ offering himself without spot to God?	The Passover lamb was "without blemish." Exo. 12:5 The young calf (bullock) for the sin-offering was "without blemish." Lev. 9:2 Jesus was the antitype of both of these. Without blemish pictures being without sin. Heb. 4:15
What did Paul mean when he said that Jesus offered himself "through the eternal Spirit" to God?	R2822:3
What is the effect of all this upon us?	If rightly received it has the effect of purging our consciences.
What are the "dead works" of which Paul here speaks?	The works of the Law.

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
What is meant by the phrase "for this cause?"	To this end. R4511:10
Is Christ now the mediator of the New Covenant?	Yes but only in the prospective sense. That is to say that He has gained that position. A mediator is used to settle disputes between parties. We know the New Covenant will eventually be established. We also know the people will not start out in harmony with God and will therefore need to have a mediator. That mediator has already been selected, i.e., Christ.
What does the phrase "by means of death" mean?	It means that Christ had to die in order to secure, for the Jews, their release from under the condemnation of the Law Covenant. Remember, when the covenant was made with them at Mount Sanai, they said: "all these things will we do." Exo. 24:3,7
In this context what did the death of Christ provide for?	It provided the means of freedom from the condemnation under the Law Covenant. They could then be in position to wait and receive blessings under the New Covenant during the Millennial Age, or to sacrifice that and become probationary members of the Body of Christ.
How does the death of Christ provide "for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first (law) testament (covenant)?"	Rom. 10:5 shows the reward of keeping the Law. Jesus kept that law and therefore earned the right to life under that law. This he sacrificed for the Jews in order to put an end to the requirements of that law, i.e., to keep it perfectly. Rom. 7:10; Jas. 2:10
Who are "they which are called?"	The Jews of Paul's day. R4548:34
What is "the promise of eternal inheritance?"	The blessings promised to Israel under the New Covenant. R4548:35

Verse 16

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Question	Answer
R4528:8-10 R4350:1-6
What is a testament?	A Covenant. In this case, a will (as in a "Last will and testament)."
Of what testament is Paul here speaking?	The New Testament (Covenant).
Who is the testator?	The Christ (Head and body.) Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 11:25,26
Why does the testator have to die?	No will goes into effect until the one who made the will is dead.

Verse 17

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
Question	Answer
Why is a testament only in force after men are dead?	If a man's Will (testament) were put into effect while he was still alive then the beneficaries of that Will could take possession of the man's property while he was still alive. If this included his home, he may be forced to leave his home.
What strength does a testament have while the testator is still alive?	None.

Verse 18

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
Question	Answer
What was the "first testament" of which Paul speaks?	The Law Covenant.
What is his point about it being dedicated with blood? - What blood?	The blood of bulls and goats. See vss. 19-20

Verses 19,20

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, [20] Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Question	Answer
The account is found in Exo. 24:3-8
When did Moses sprinkle both the book of the law and the people?	After he "had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law." Exo. 24:7,8
With what did he sprinkle the people?	The blood of bulls and goats, water, scarlet wool and with hyssop.
What do each of these things signify in their antitype?	Bulls - Sacrifice of Chris Jesus. Goats - Sacrifice of His body members, the church. Water - Truth. Scarlet wool - The blood of the Ransom. Hyssop - Cleansing. Psa. 51:7
Was the (Law) testament (Covenant) put in force with the shedding of blood?	Yes. It took the blood of both the bulls and the goats. It was reinforced on the Day of Atonement by the sacrifice of the Bullock and then the Lord's Goat.
What does this tell us about the establishment of the New Covenant?	It will not be enforced until the sacrifice of both the antitypical bullock (our Lord Jesus) and the antitypical Lord's goat (the church class) have been complete as pictured by their blood being taken into the most holy and sprinkled on and before the mercy-seat.

Verse 21

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
Question	Answer
Why were both the tabernacle and all the vessels sprinkled with blood?	This showed that the entire arrangement symbolized by these things are dependent upon the sacrifice of Christ.

Verse 22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Question	Answer
What does the shedding of blood for remission (of sins) have to do with the sprinkling of both the tabernacle and the vessels?	Because all had to be pure. The tabernacle as well as the temple pictured the means by which man could approach God and could be in harmony with Him. Remember, "The wages of sin is death" and "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Rom. 6:23; Eze. 18:4,20. -- Once again, all depends on the sacrifice of Christ (represented in the shed blood.)

[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: [25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; [26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Verse 23

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
What are "the patterns of things in the heavens?"	The Tabernacle with its furnishings, implements and surroundings.
With what are these patterns purified?	Blood.
What is the significance of this?	It takes a life poured out unto death to bring cleansing, to bring man back into harmony with God.
With what are "the heavenly things" purified?	The Kingdom and the process of getting to it, i.e., the development of the New Creation.
What are the "better sacrifices?"	The sacrifice of the new creation, beginning with Jesus and then extending to His body members. "Present your bodies, a living sacrifice.." Rom. 12:1

Verse 24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
According to Paul, what are the "holy places?"	The Holy and the Most Holy. These two compartments of the Tabernacle are representative of the two conditions of the spirit begotten.
Where did Christ enter?	Not into the typical 'Most Holy,' but into heaven itself, to the actual presence of God.
For whom did He enter there?	"For us," for the church.

Verse 25

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
How often did the high priest enter into the Most Holy?	Once each year on the Day of Atonement.
Paul here says the high priest entered with the blood of others. What others?	It was not his own blood.
How often did Christ offer himself?	Once.

Verse 26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Why does Paul say "For then must he often have suffered?"	Paul is here comparing the type with the antitype and is showing how the antitype is superior in every way. The type needed to be repeated. But the antitype only needed to take place one time.
Paul says Christ suffered once "in the end of the world." Does this mean the world ends?	No. Ecc. 1:4; Isa. 45:18
Assuming we are near the end, does this refer to our time?	No.
Does the meaning of the word "world" in the Greek help us?	World in this verse is Strong's 165 and means "Age." The thought here is in the end of the Age - the end of the Jewish Age. This is when Jesus sacrificed Himself.
How did Jesus "put away sin by the sacrifice of himself?" How does that work?	A perfect man for a perfect man, i.e., the Ransom. He also kept the law perfectly and thus earned the promise of the Law, i.e., life. This he laid down. In this process he frees Israel (for whomsoever will) from under the Law. See also B68:2,3.

Verse 27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Paul says "it is appointed unto men once to die." What does that mean?	Context, context, context. This has reference to the High Priest going into the Most Holy once a year on the Day of Atonement. When he passed under the 2nd veil that pictured death. R5731:3
What is the "judgment" that comes after?	God either approving or rejecting the sacrifice. T87:1
How is this verse generally applied by the nominal churches?	This text normally is mis-applied to all mankind at the time of their death. After death they face God's judgment and are either given entrance to heaven or are consigned to an eternity of torture in a burning hell. The only way they can make this application is by claiming that the Apostle Paul completely left his line of reasoning (about the comparison of the typical High Priest and Jesus as the antitypical High Priest) and threw in this one line - contrary to all other scriptural teaching - and then went back to his line of reasoning after this verse.

Verse 28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
How many times was Christ offered?	One time only.
For what purpose was Christ offered?	As a sin-offering for the sins of the people (the world).
To whom will Christ appear?	To "them that look for him," i.e., the saints.
Why does Paul say Christ will "appear the second time?"	R5655:2-5
Paul says Christ appears "without sin." Has Christ ever appeared with sin?	While He dwelt among sinners, He himself was indeed without sin.
What does this mean?	It means that at His second advent He appears without a sin-offering. His first advent was both to redeem mankind and also to give His life as a sin-offering.
What does Christ bring with Him at His second advent?	Rev. 22:12

Chapter 8   Chapter 10