City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary is not yet opened as long as the outer tent is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various ablutions, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.

Hebrews 9:1-10

Reflection

Someone once said there is no pillow softer than a clear conscience, but as the writer of Hebrews notes here, under the old covenant one of the benefits was not a clear conscience. That is because the blood of animals sacrificed on the altar did not actually take away sins (Hebrews 10:4).

Those sacrifices were only a copy, a symbol pointing to the One who was to come, of whom John the Baptist would declare, “I am the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).

The old covenant sacrifices may seem primitive to us, but I believe they were intended by the Lord to imprint upon us an understanding of the seriousness of sin. The Lord wanted us to understand that justice demands a punishment for sin, so when Jesus declared He would take that punishment for us, it would all be clear to us.

Application

The good news is that because Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, the truly spotless “lamb,” we can trust that His sacrifice really does take aways sins. That means those who trust in Him can enjoy the benefit of a clear conscience.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son so that I can experience the joy of clear conscience. Amen.