Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 speak about the changing of the old covenant into the new. They offer a comparison of the two, revealing the imperfections of the old covenant. As the Mosaic covenant required the sacrifice and blood of animals, Jesus came and offered His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice and payment for sin. (Hebrews 9:11-12) The high priest of the tabernacle of Moses could enter the Holy of Holies once per year on atonement day to offer an atoning sacrifice on behalf of the people. (Hebrews 9:6-10) But in the new covenant, Jesus offered His own blood and tore the veil so that through Him as the great High Priest, believers can enter the presence of the Lord. (Hebrews 9:11-15, 23-26) The new covenant not only offers forgiveness of sins but also a cleansing of the consciousness. The old covenant caused the Lord’s people to remember their sin year after year because it was impossible for the imperfect sacrifice of blood and bulls to take away sin. (Hebrews 10:1) By one offering, Jesus has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)
The church to whom the book of Hebrews was written was deeply rooted in the sanctions of the law. Even though they had access to the benefits of the new covenant, they under under the burden of the law. The writer went on to exhort them in verse 19 to stand before the Lord in boldness. I can only imagine how difficult it would be for them to dissolve all their presuppositions of the Lord and His law. Knowing this, the writer assured them that the Lord is eager to forgive, eager for relationship, eager for their sincere love. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
The writer finishes His exhortation with a warning against false grace. He encourages the believers not to take the sacrifice of Jesus lightly, but rather pursue the fear of the Lord, lest they be judged for their willful sin. (Hebrews 10:26-31)