The better atonement
The Old Testament pointed to a significant shift in how atonement for sin would occur. Christ entered heaven once with his own blood, offering a permanent sacrifice for all sins, contrasting with the repeated sacrifices made under the old law. Christ’s sacrifice provides eternal atonement, unlike the temporary cleansing offered by the blood of bulls and goats.
The law of Moses included the offering of the blood of animals in several sacrifices, particularly on the Day of Atonement, to cleanse the people. This included the ashes of a red heifer for those ceremonially unclean (e.g., after touching a dead body), but this cleansing was only external, a "purification of the flesh" (Numbers 19). Christ’s blood purifies the conscience, offering a deeper, spiritual cleansing. Christ gave his life in perfect obedience to God (Philippians 2:5-8). While the blood of animals cleansed the flesh, Christ’s blood cleanses the conscience, offering eternal purification (Hebrews 9:11-14).
Christ’s sacrifice is superior, as he is the mediator of a new, better covenant. His death brings cleansing for those living under the new covenant and for those who lived under the old covenant. His blood ratifies all the promises made by God. Those promises were only fully effective through Christ’s death. The inheritance of eternal life would not be accessible without his bloody sacrifice.
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that a covenant is activated by the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:16-17). He refers to the dedication of the first covenant, when Moses sprinkled the blood of oxen to establish the agreement between God and Israel (Exodus 24:1-8). This blood, though significant, could not take away sin, which is why Christ’s blood was necessary for true atonement. Moses said that the blood sprinkled on the people ratified the covenant, symbolizing God’s commitment to the people and their agreement to follow him. Christ’s blood ratified the new covenant, making it effective for all who believe.
Blood was central to atonement and purification under Moses’ law. The tabernacle and all its vessels were purified with blood (Exodus 40:9-11). Atonement for sin was only possible through blood (Leviticus 17:11). The sacrifices under the old law were a shadow of the true sacrifice that Christ would offer. His superior sacrifice purifies not only the earthly tabernacle but also the heavenly sanctuary. Christ’s blood cleanses the "heavenly things," securing the eternal redemption of all believers.
Christ’s blood was shed for the purification of both the earthly and heavenly realms. While the blood of the old covenant was sufficient for its purpose, only Christ’s blood could cleanse the greater, spiritual realities. The sanctuary that Christ entered was not an earthly tabernacle but the throne of God in heaven itself, where he intercedes for humanity (Hebrews 9:23-24; Romans 8:34).
Christ’s sacrifice is once for all. If continual sacrifices were needed, they would have been required since the fall of Adam. But Christ’s single offering covers the sins of all people, from Adam’s fall to the end of the age. He came at the "completion of the ages," initiating the final stage of God’s plan for salvation (Hebrews 9:24-26). Christ’s death was the fulfillment of God’s covenant, making further sacrifices unnecessary.
The High Priest made annual sacrifices for his own and the people’s sins. Christ, who was sinless, did not need to make such offerings. His sacrifice was perfect and only needed once. Christ’s death was necessary to bear the consequences of sin, not his own but the sins of humanity.
Christ will return, as promised, to bring salvation to those who await him and judgment to those who reject him (John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). His second coming will be the final fulfillment of all God’s promises. His sacrifice will remain effective for all who are in Christ.
Thus, the atonement made by Christ is far superior to that of the Old Testament sacrifices. It is permanent, spiritual, and all-encompassing, covering the sins of all humanity from the fall of Adam to the end of time.
- The better atonement - 2024-12-05
- Lessons from service in the tabernacle - 2024-11-14
- The new covenant - 2024-10-31