1It is true that the first covenant had regulations for worship services, and also an earthly Temple. 2For there was a tabernacle set up with two rooms; in the first room was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3And beyond a separating veil, there was a second room in the tabernacle, which is called the Most Holy Place, holiest of the two, 4Within it was the golden altar of incense, and the Ark of the Covenant, made of acacia wood and completely overlaid with gold (Ex.16:32-33, 25:10-11), in which was the golden jar that held manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the two stone tablets of the covenant. 5And above it were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat; which we cannot now describe in detail. 6Now when these things were so arranged, the priests often entered the first tabernacle room, performing the service of God. 7But only the high priest would enter the second room, and just once every year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the sins of the people, 8The Holy Spirit was signifying by this that the way into the Most Holy Place of all was not yet revealed, as long as that first tabernacle was still standing and functioning; 9This was an illustration for that time, that indicated that both gifts and sacrifices, which were offered, could not cleanse or make him (the high priest) who performed the service, perfect, regarding the conscience; 10For that old system dealt only with food and drink, and ceremonial washings – external regulations, imposed upon them until the time of the new order (covenant).

11But when Christ came as High Priest of the good things that have now come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, not part of this created world. 12Nor did He enter with the blood of goats and calves; but with His Own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, thereby obtaining eternal redemption for us. 13For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who were ceremonially unclean, cleansed and sanctified to the purifying of the flesh, 14How much more shall the blood of Christ - Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish (utterly sinless) to God - cleanse our consciences from the acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God?

15And for this reason He is the Mediator of the New Testament (new covenant), so that we who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance, because He has died to ransom and redeem us from the penalty of our transgressions that were committed under the first covenant. 16For, as in the case of a will (a testament), it is necessary to prove the death of the testator. 17Because the testament or will is in force only after the person is dead; it has no strength or effect at all while the testator lives. 18This is why even the first testament was not executed (put in effect) without blood. 19For when Moses had spoken (proclaimed) every precept of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled both the book (scroll), and also all the people, 20Saying, “This is the blood of the testament which God has made with you.” (Ex.24:8). 21And he also sprinkled the Tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies with blood. 22And in fact, the law requires that almost all things be cleansed with blood; and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. 23That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, that are symbolic patterns of the things in heaven, had to be purified with a far better sacrifice than the blood of animals. 24For Christ did not enter a holy place made with human hands, which was merely symbolic of the true Tabernacle, but He entered into heaven itself, to now appear in the presence of God on our behalf; 25Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest entered the holy place every year with blood of animals (not the priest’s blood); 26For if that had been necessary, then Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, He has appeared at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27And just as it is appointed unto people to die once, and after that to face the judgment, 28So also, Christ was offered once to bear the penalty of the sins of many people. And He shall appear the second time (come again) to bring salvation to those cleansed of sin, that wait and look for His return.