Hebrews 9:25

Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.

Study Bible

Nor did He enter heaven
This phrase emphasizes the singularity and sufficiency of Christ's ascension and His role as our eternal High Priest. The Greek word for "enter" (εἰσέρχομαι, eiserchomai) suggests a purposeful and significant action. Unlike the earthly high priests who entered the Most Holy Place annually, Christ's entrance into heaven was a one-time, definitive act. This highlights the superiority of Christ's priesthood and His unique role in the heavenly sanctuary, contrasting with the repetitive and temporary nature of the Old Covenant rituals.

to offer Himself again and again
The repetition of sacrifices under the Old Covenant is contrasted with the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. The Greek word for "offer" (προσφέρω, prosphero) implies presenting or bringing forth. In the context of the Old Testament, the high priest's repeated offerings were necessary due to their inability to fully atone for sin. However, Christ's self-offering was perfect and complete, needing no repetition. This underscores the finality and completeness of His sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the law and providing eternal redemption.

as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year
The "high priest" (ἀρχιερεύς, archiereus) in the Jewish tradition was the only one permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This annual ritual was a reminder of the people's sins and the need for atonement. The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, was the innermost and most sacred area of the tabernacle and later the temple, symbolizing God's presence. The high priest's entry was a temporary and symbolic act, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement made by Christ.

with blood that is not his own
The blood used by the high priest was that of animals, which served as a temporary covering for sin. The phrase "not his own" highlights the insufficiency of these sacrifices to truly cleanse or redeem. In contrast, Christ offered His own blood, a perfect and spotless sacrifice. The use of animal blood was a foreshadowing of the true and effective sacrifice of Jesus, whose own blood was shed for the remission of sins. This distinction emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which brings about a new covenant and a direct relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Covenant, who offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

2. High Priest
In the Old Testament, the high priest was responsible for entering the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.

3. Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)
The innermost and most sacred area of the ancient Tabernacle and later the Temple, where the high priest would enter once a year to make atonement.

4. Heaven
The spiritual realm where God dwells, which Jesus entered after His resurrection and ascension.

5. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual Jewish observance where the high priest made sacrifices for the sins of the people, symbolizing temporary atonement.

Teaching Points

The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice
Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant. This highlights the completeness and sufficiency of His atonement for our sins.

The Fulfillment of the Law
Christ's entry into heaven signifies the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Believers are no longer under the law but under grace, as Jesus fulfilled the law's requirements.

Assurance of Salvation
The finality of Christ's sacrifice provides believers with assurance of salvation. We can rest in the completed work of Christ, knowing that no further sacrifice is needed.

The Role of the High Priest
Understanding the role of the high priest in the Old Testament helps us appreciate Jesus as our eternal High Priest, who intercedes for us continually.

Living in Light of Christ's Sacrifice
As recipients of this perfect sacrifice, believers are called to live lives of gratitude, holiness, and service, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's atonement.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the role of the high priest in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the finality of Christ's sacrifice impact your daily walk with God?

3. How can we live in a way that reflects the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?

4. What are some practical ways to remind ourselves of the assurance of salvation that comes from Christ's completed work?

5. How does the concept of Jesus fulfilling the law influence our understanding of grace and our relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 7:27
This verse highlights that Jesus, unlike the earthly high priests, does not need to offer sacrifices daily, as He offered Himself once for all.

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement rituals, providing background on the high priest's annual duties and the temporary nature of those sacrifices.

1 Peter 3:18
Emphasizes that Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God, reinforcing the finality and sufficiency of His sacrifice.

John 19:30
Jesus' declaration, "It is finished," signifies the completion of His sacrificial work, contrasting with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

Romans 6:10
States that the death He died, He died to sin once for all, underscoring the singular and sufficient nature of His sacrifice.