The Better Sanctuary In Which Christ Ministers

Topic: Superior
Passage: Hebrews 8:1–6

October 7, 2019

Commentary

Under the old Jewish system priests were chosen only from the tribe of Levi, and sacrifices were offered only on the altar for forgiveness of sins (Heb. 7:12-14).This passage in Chapter 8 talks about two things that are superior under the priesthood of Christ as compared to the old system:

  1. The Sanctuary is Superior. (vv. 1-2)
    1. The place is better. (Mark 16:19)
    2. The priest is better. (Heb. 4:14-16
  2. The Sacrifice is Superior. (vv. 3-4)
    1. The Levitical priests offered up animals in the earthly sanctuary.
    2. The Lamb of God offers up Himself in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 9:11-14).

The Old Testament high priests were appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices in God’s appointed place which was the sanctuary (v. 5). Jesus Christ is a High Priest and since He is in heaven we must conclude that His “true tabernacle” is in the heavenly sphere, while His ministry is to us here on earth. Jesus Christ is presented as better than all the impressive solemn services of the Tabernacle which were only a shadow of Christ’s coming (v. 6). He fulfilled the law, paid its penalty, bore its curse for us, and offers to us salvation as a free gift without the deeds of the law. Jesus’ final blood sacrifice is forever, and there is no need for additional sacrifices for the cleansing of sin.

Application

Am I praising the Lord and coming in thanksgiving to Him? Colossians says “whatever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Col. 3:17).

Hebrews 8:1– 6 (NET)

1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We have such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. So this one too had to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 The place where they serve is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, just as Moses was warned by God as he was about to complete the tabernacle. For he says, “See that you make everything according to the design shown to you on the mountain.” 6 But now Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, since the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted on better promises.