SUMMARY
Christ’s sacrifice of himself is superior to animal sacrifices prescribed by the law of Moses. The blood of Christ purifies people’s consciences so that they might worship God.
ANALYSIS
Hebrews depicts Jesus’ death and exaltation as actions that purify the human conscience. In the Old Testament, the high priest went into the inner part of the earthly sanctuary, bringing animal blood to make atonement. Jesus, however, offered himself up through his death on Calvary, and he has been exalted to God’s sanctuaryA sanctuary is the consecrated area around the altar of a church or temple. It also means a place of safety where one can flee for protection. In the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms, God is referred to as a sanctuary, a refuge from... in heaven, where he ministers on behalf of others. The message of this act of grace awakens faith in people, and faith is what brings people into a right relationship with God. This is why the author can say that Christ’s death cleanses the conscience. By awakening faith, the message of Christ’s death removes the barrier of sin and guilt, restoring people to a right relationship with their Creator.
