Hebrews 9:12

He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

Study Bible

He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves
This phrase highlights the contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. In the Old Testament, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement, bringing the blood of goats and calves as a sin offering (Leviticus 16). The Greek word for "enter" (εἰσέρχομαι, eiserchomai) signifies a physical and spiritual entry, emphasizing the limitations of the old sacrificial system. The blood of animals was a temporary measure, unable to fully cleanse or redeem humanity from sin. This phrase underscores the insufficiency of animal sacrifices, which were a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice to come.

but He entered the Most Holy Place
The "Most Holy Place" (Greek: τὰ ἅγια, ta hagia) refers to the innermost part of the earthly tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. In the context of Hebrews, it symbolizes the heavenly sanctuary. Jesus, as our High Priest, entered not a man-made sanctuary but the very presence of God. This entry signifies a new and living way opened for believers, as described in Hebrews 10:19-20. The historical context of the tabernacle and temple worship is crucial here, as it points to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

once for all
The Greek phrase ἐφάπαξ (ephapax) means "once for all time," indicating the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Jesus' offering was sufficient to atone for sin eternally. This concept is central to the theology of Hebrews, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's priesthood and the New Covenant. The historical context of the Jewish sacrificial system, with its continual offerings, highlights the radical nature of this once-for-all sacrifice.

by His own blood
The phrase "by His own blood" (Greek: διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος, dia tou idiou haimatos) emphasizes the personal and voluntary nature of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the blood of animals, which was offered by the high priest, Jesus offered His own life. This act of self-sacrifice fulfills the prophetic imagery of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 and the Passover Lamb in Exodus 12. Theologically, it underscores the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Christ's blood cleanses believers from sin and reconciles them to God.

thus securing eternal redemption
The term "securing" (Greek: εὑρίσκω, heurisko) conveys the idea of obtaining or achieving something of great value. "Eternal redemption" (Greek: αἰώνιος λύτρωσις, aionios lytrosis) refers to the permanent deliverance from sin and its consequences. This redemption is not temporary or partial but complete and everlasting. The historical context of redemption in the Bible often involves the liberation of captives or slaves, as seen in the Exodus narrative. Spiritually, it signifies the believer's freedom from the bondage of sin and the assurance of eternal life through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, who enters the Most Holy Place.

2. Most Holy Place
The innermost part of the tabernacle/temple, symbolizing God's presence.

3. Blood of Goats and Calves
Refers to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where animal blood was used for atonement.

4. Eternal Redemption
The salvation and deliverance secured by Jesus through His sacrifice.

5. Old Covenant Sacrifices
The system of sacrifices under the Mosaic Law, which is contrasted with Christ's sacrifice.

Teaching Points

The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice
Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices, Christ's sacrifice was once for all, highlighting its sufficiency and finality.

Access to God
Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers have direct access to God, symbolized by His entry into the Most Holy Place.

Eternal Redemption
Christ's sacrifice secures eternal redemption, offering believers assurance of salvation and eternal life.

The Fulfillment of the Old Covenant
Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant sacrificial system, establishing a new covenant based on His blood.

Living in Light of Redemption
Believers are called to live in gratitude and holiness, reflecting the eternal redemption secured by Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "eternal redemption" in Hebrews 9:12 impact your understanding of salvation?

2. In what ways does the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:51) relate to the access we have to God through Christ?

3. How does the once-for-all nature of Christ's sacrifice challenge or encourage you in your daily walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways you can live in gratitude for the eternal redemption secured by Jesus?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance your appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in Hebrews 9:12?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest enters the Most Holy Place with the blood of animals, prefiguring Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:4
Emphasizes that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins, highlighting the necessity of Christ's sacrifice.

Matthew 27:51
The tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' death signifies the new access to God through Christ.

1 Peter 1:18-19
Speaks of being redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ.

Revelation 5:9
Celebrates the Lamb who was slain and purchased people for God with His blood.