Hebrews 9:24

For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

Study Bible

For Christ
The phrase "For Christ" introduces the central figure of the New Testament, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the mediator of the New Covenant. The Greek word for Christ, "Christos," means "Anointed One," signifying Jesus as the Messiah. This highlights His divine mission and authority, setting the stage for His unique role in salvation history.

did not enter
This phrase emphasizes the action that Christ did not take, contrasting His work with the earthly practices of the Levitical priests. The Greek verb "eiserchomai" means "to go into" or "to enter," indicating a deliberate choice. Christ's mission transcends the limitations of earthly rituals, pointing to a higher, spiritual reality.

a man-made copy
The term "man-made copy" refers to the earthly tabernacle, which was constructed by human hands as a shadow of the heavenly reality. The Greek word "cheiropoiētos" means "made by human hands," underscoring the temporary and imperfect nature of the Old Covenant worship system. This phrase invites believers to look beyond the physical and temporal to the eternal and divine.

of the true sanctuary
The "true sanctuary" is the heavenly reality that the earthly tabernacle symbolized. The Greek word "alēthinos" means "true" or "genuine," indicating the ultimate and perfect dwelling place of God. This phrase reassures believers of the authenticity and permanence of the heavenly realm where Christ ministers.

but He entered heaven itself
This phrase marks the transition from the earthly to the heavenly. The Greek word "ouranos" for "heaven" signifies the dwelling place of God, a realm of divine presence and glory. Christ's ascension into heaven confirms His victory over sin and death, and His ongoing intercessory role for believers.

now to appear
The phrase "now to appear" highlights the present and active role of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. The Greek verb "emphanizō" means "to make manifest" or "to show oneself," indicating Christ's visible and authoritative presence before God. This assures believers of His continual advocacy and representation.

on our behalf
This phrase underscores the purpose of Christ's heavenly ministry. The Greek preposition "hyper" means "for" or "on behalf of," emphasizing His role as our mediator and intercessor. Christ's work is personal and relational, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

in the presence of God
The phrase "in the presence of God" signifies the ultimate goal of Christ's redemptive work. The Greek word "prosōpon" means "face" or "presence," indicating direct access to God. This phrase assures believers of their acceptance and standing before God through Christ, offering hope and confidence in their spiritual journey.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth to provide salvation for humanity through His death and resurrection. In this verse, He is depicted as the High Priest who enters the true sanctuary.

2. Heaven
The dwelling place of God, representing the ultimate reality and the true sanctuary, as opposed to the earthly tabernacle which was a mere shadow or copy.

3. Presence of God
The divine presence where Christ now appears on behalf of believers, signifying His role as an intercessor and mediator.

4. Man-made copy
Refers to the earthly tabernacle or temple, which was constructed by human hands and served as a temporary and symbolic representation of the heavenly reality.

5. True Sanctuary
The heavenly realm where God resides, and where Christ now ministers as the eternal High Priest.

Teaching Points

Christ's Unique Role as High Priest
Jesus' entry into heaven signifies His unique and eternal role as our High Priest, contrasting with the temporary and repeated sacrifices of the earthly priests.

The Reality of Heaven
The verse emphasizes the reality of heaven as the true sanctuary, encouraging believers to focus on eternal realities rather than earthly symbols.

Intercession and Advocacy
Christ's presence in heaven on our behalf assures us of His continual intercession and advocacy, providing comfort and confidence in our relationship with God.

Access to God
Through Christ's work, believers have direct access to God, eliminating the need for earthly mediators and rituals.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Understanding that Christ is in the true sanctuary encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual over temporal concerns.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Christ's role as our High Priest in the true sanctuary impact your daily prayer life and relationship with God?

2. In what ways can focusing on the reality of heaven help you navigate challenges and distractions in your earthly life?

3. How does knowing that Christ intercedes on your behalf influence your confidence in approaching God with your needs and concerns?

4. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from earthly symbols to eternal realities in your spiritual walk?

5. How can the assurance of direct access to God through Christ change the way you view religious rituals and traditions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 8:5
This verse discusses how the earthly priests serve in a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven, emphasizing the temporary and symbolic nature of the earthly tabernacle.

John 14:2-3
Jesus speaks of preparing a place in His Father's house, indicating His role in securing eternal access to God for believers.

1 John 2:1
Describes Jesus as our advocate with the Father, reinforcing His role as an intercessor.

Exodus 25:40
God instructs Moses to make the tabernacle according to the pattern shown on the mountain, highlighting the earthly tabernacle as a copy of the heavenly one.