Hebrews 9:24-26

Jesus Christ’s ministry required a once-for-all, sufficient sacrifice. The "consummation" refers to the end of the Old Covenant. Jesus Christ entered the presence of God rather than an earthly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:24). He made His offering only once rather than repeatedly (Hebrews 9:25). Furthermore He put away sins forever rather than removing them only temporarily (Hebrews 9:26; cf. 1 Peter 1:20).

"Copy" (Hebrews 9:24) is the Greek word typos ("type"). The writer identified a type (a divinely intended illustration) here. The holy place in the tabernacle and temple was a type of heaven. [Note: Ibid., pp. 60-63. See also Philip E. Hughes, "The Blood . . .," 131:521:26-33.] (See Romans 5:14; Romans 1 Corintians Hebrews 10:6; Hebrews 10:11; and 1 Peter 3:21 for other New Testament identifications of types.)

"At His ascension Christ was formally installed as High Priest and began His present high priestly work. In the heavenly tabernacle today He represents His people (i.e., He secures their acceptance with God); obtains free access for them into God’s presence; intercedes in prayer for them and grants them help; mediates their prayers to God and God’s strength to them; anticipates His return to earth to reign; and, at the end of the present session, will bless His people by bringing them deliverance into the kingdom." [Note: David J. MacLeod, "The Present Work of Christ in Hebrews," Bibliotheca Sacra 148:590 (April-June 1991):200.]