THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

HEBREWS 9:11–15

He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once and for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption

(Hebrews 9:12).

We have pointed out already that altars are doorways. Today we want to explore this theme more fully. The ritual of Leviticus 1 shows us how blood opens the doors. The animal is first of all slain as a substitute for the worshiper. Then its blood is sprinkled on the altar.

This display of blood before God satisfies God’s wrath, and He turns His wrath away (compare Exodus 12:7 and 13). Then the animal is cut apart, and placed on the altar. God’s fire consumes the animal. This is not a picture of God’s wrath, which has already been averted by the display of blood; rather, it is a picture of God’s acceptance of the animal into His presence, for God is a consuming fire. God is pleased to accept the worshiper on the basis of the displayed blood.

In the same way, the display of Jesus’ blood proves to God that His death has taken place. The display of blood averts God’s wrath, and opens the doorway for Jesus to enter heaven, and us with Him.

But when did this happen? Did it happen at the ascension? Did Jesus take His blood into heaven and show it to God? No. Jesus’ blood was displayed on the Cross. On the basis of that display, God opened heaven to Him, making His ascension possible. Indeed, a more literal translation of the whole burnt offering of Leviticus 1 is “ascension offering.” The animal’s blood is displayed, and then it is allowed to ascend in the smoke over the altar into God’s presence. The worshiper can participate in the animal’s ascension, just as we participate in Jesus’ ascension when we put our trust in Him.

But Jesus’ blood is far better than the blood of goats and bulls. Animal blood only covered sins of wandering temporarily. The high priest had to perform the same sacrifices year after year. It could never cleanse the conscience from Adam’s root sin (Hebrews 9:9). Jesus’ blood cleanses our consciences fully, cleansing our souls once and for all, and ushering us into the throne room of heaven (9:13–14). By dealing with sin at its root, Jesus’ death also takes care of all our lesser sins of wandering (9:15)

CORAM DEO

Habakkuk

WEEKEND

Obadiah

2 Kings 23:31–25:21

When old covenant believers prayed, they prayed in the ante-room of heaven, at the altar of incense, shouting through the veil to the throne. With no veil between us and God, we have full access to the throne. This being the case, pray with boldness and with confidence that your prayers are heard.

For further study: Psalm 130 • Ephesians 1:7–8 • Philippians 4:6–7

WEEKEND