Men's Bible Study Summary: Hebrews 9:15-28

In our last study, we examined how Christ, as the perfect High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary, securing eternal redemption through His own blood. This week, the writer of Hebrews expands on this theme by demonstrating that Christ’s death was necessary to establish the new covenant, cleansing us fully and finally from sin. The passage contrasts the temporary and repeated sacrifices of the old covenant with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, culminating in the promise of His future return to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15–17)

The passage begins with a powerful declaration: “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15) Christ’s role as mediator secures an eternal inheritance, offering lasting redemption rather than temporary atonement. Just as a will only takes effect after the death of its maker, Christ’s sacrificial death was necessary to inaugurate the new covenant, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.

The Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness (Hebrews 9:18–22)

The old covenant itself was established with blood: “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22) The tabernacle, the book of the law, and the people were all sprinkled with sacrificial blood (Exodus 24:6-8), foreshadowing the greater, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. This principle underscores the seriousness of sin—forgiveness requires the shedding of blood, demonstrating the necessity of a perfect atonement that only Christ could provide.

Christ’s Sacrifice: Once for All (Hebrews 9:23–26)

The contrast between the old and new covenants reaches its climax: “Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own… But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:25-26) Under the old system, sacrifices were offered repeatedly, yet they could never fully remove sin. In contrast, Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary and offered Himself once for all, securing complete and final redemption. His sacrifice did not merely cover sin temporarily—it put it away permanently, accomplishing what no earthly ritual ever could.

Christ’s Return: Salvation for Those Who Wait (Hebrews 9:27–28)

The passage concludes with a future hope: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28) Just as death and judgment are universal realities, so too is Christ’s return. His first coming was to deal with sin, while His second coming will bring the fulfillment of salvation to His people. This promise calls believers to live with eager anticipation, knowing that Christ’s return will complete the work of redemption and bring eternal joy to those who trust in Him.

Application

Here were some points of application.

1. Trust in Christ’s Finished Work – We don’t need repeated sacrifices or religious rituals to cleanse us—Christ’s death is fully sufficient (Colossians 2:13-14, 1 John 1:7).
2. Live with a Purified Conscience – The old sacrifices could only cleanse externally, but Christ transforms our hearts, freeing us from “dead works” to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14, Titus 3:5).
3. Look Forward to Christ’s Return – Jesus will come again, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation. Those who eagerly await Him will receive their promised inheritance (Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Timothy 4:8).

An Invitation

Men of the church, join us on Wednesday nights from January through March 2025 (6:30–8:00 PM) as we continue our journey through Hebrews. Come and discover the riches of God’s promises, the hope of the gospel, and the confidence we have in Jesus, our great High Priest.