Chapter 9

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%209&version=ESV

STUDY

• List the multiple parallels between the old and new covenant.

• What only takes effect once death has occurred?

• What is needed for the forgiveness of sins?

• If sins weren't paid for in full, what would Jesus have to do?

• What comes after death for mankind?

• What comes after earthly death for those who love Jesus?

APPLICATION

• Do you love Jesus?

• Are you eagerly waiting for Him to return?

PRUNING ME

        After reading this- it made me more aware of why Jesus had to shed His blood- why he had to die for our sins.  Reading the Old Testament can be challenging at times because much of it can seem irrelevant- but everything in the Old Testament, when studied, points to Jesus and is very relevant.  This text is a good example.  The parallels between the old covenant and the new covenant made in Christ are phenomenal.  A couple examples:    Since the priests made sacrifices that required the blood of an animal,  Jesus had to give more than that- in which He gave His own blood.  Once a year, the high priest would go into the Holy Place and offer a blood sacrifice for the unintentional sins of the people, but Jesus gave Himself once- the ultimate sacrifice for all sins- forever. Jesus had to die so that we might live.  Wow, do I love Jesus- and I am so grateful for His sacrifice. 

        Are you? Are you grateful for His death on the cross?  Do you love Jesus?  Many are quick to answer, "of course I do!"  But I have a challenging question that I have heard from a few sermons.  Would you want Heaven without Jesus?  In otherwords,  would you be satisfied  going to Heaven if all your friends and family were there, but Jesus wasn't?  Are you sure you truly love Jesus?  Jesus is everything- nothing else matters.  If you had a tough time with this question, I challenge you to get deeper with Jesus.  The shedding of His blood, is the reason you even have the opportunity to go to Heaven, but if in your heart, you aren't "eagerly waiting for Him" (verse28) - then are you even going?  I don't have the answer to that- but I am scared on behalf of the people who confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, but their hearts aren't truly in love with Him.  

        So I ask, do you love Jesus? Are you eagerly waiting for Him?

• Leanne