Week 4
READ Hebrews 9:1-10 “In A Better Sanctuary”
QUESTIONS:
Chapter 9:1-10 speaks of a great reformation that has happened in Christ. You will hear in this passage an idea of then and now. Then it was like that, now it is like this. This passage is very straightforward but brings forward a great truth from Scripture.
I want you to feel the mood the author of Hebrews is intending to set. Read Hebrews 9:1-10. Imagine you are the High Priest. Do you feel very free and open to approach God or timid and hesitant to approach God? Explain why you feel that way.
The Tabernacle consisted of 3 major areas. There was a wall surrounding the Tabernacle creating an area called the Outer Court. Inside the first door was an area called the Holy Place. Then, behind a large hanging curtain was a place called the “Holy of Holies”. Here’s a picture to help visualize the Tabernacle.
Who could enter the Outer Courts?
Who could enter the Holy Place?
Who could enter the Holy of Holies?
How often could he enter the Holy of Holies?
What did he have to do to enter the Holy of Holies?
3. Reflect upon your answers above. What do you believe God is trying to communicate to people who desire to approach him?
4. There is a conservative estimate that the number of people in Israel was probably near 2 million people. How many of those could come into the presence of God?
5. Read v. 8. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Tabernacle was built and the Old Testament form of worship and forgiveness was established. According to verse 8, as long as the Old Testament form of worship and forgiveness exists, what was not open to people?
6. Read v. 9. The author of Hebrews makes a strong statement. What strong statement about the “worshipper’s conscience” is made? What does that mean?
7. Now read v. 14. What strong statement does the author of Hebrews now make about the “worshipper’s conscience”?
8. What does it mean that Christ can “purify our conscience from dead works”?
9. What does the word “Reformation” mean?
10. Read v. 10. What is meant by the phrase “time of reformation”?
11. Read Romans 8:1-4. What does this passage mean? How does Romans 8:1-4 speak about the “time of reformation”?