After blossoming with the promises we inherit through faith in Jesus Christ, the author of Hebrews returns to illuminating the difference between the “holy place” of the Jews of history, that is, the Temple in Jerusalem, and the holy place of faith in Christ.
First, the earthly holy place in Jerusalem, based on the first covenant:
“Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail” (Heb 9:1-5).
This is what was immediately visible inside the tabernacle of old. There were also many spiritual parallels to each of these visible items, but right now the author is concerned only with the priesthood and the sacrifices required by the Law of Moses:
“These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 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 unintentional sins of the people. By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation” (Heb 9:6-10).
Imagine walking into a wide open church door, only to discover that the doors to the sanctuary are locked and true worship impossible. The Law of Moses leaves the destination toward true faith locked and inaccessible:
- The way into the holy place is not yet opened;
- Sacrifices offered in the “lobby” cannot perfect the guilty conscience of a worshiper; and
- The moment of reformation – that is – true confession and restoration to good standing with God is delayed for an indeterminate time.