1. The Epistle to the Hebrews
Lesson 14
Provisions of the Blood of the New Covenant
Hebrews 9:11-17

2. The Priesthood of Christ Offers Better Blood
Christ’s priesthood is in a greater more perfect tabernacle (9:11)
It is heavenly (9:24; cf. Rev. 11:19; 15:5)
He ministers the “good things to come” not merely shadows of those things (cf. 10:1)

3. The Conscience is Cleansed by the Blood of Christ
Christ’s blood is superior to the blood of animals (9:12-14)
The offering of Jesus’ blood obtained eternal redemption (Revelation 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18-19)
The blood of animals had purified the flesh (Numbers 19)
“Much more,” the offering of the blood of Christ cleanses the conscience
Christ’s offered Himself without spot (4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22)
We are cleansed from dead works (6:1; Ephesians 2:1)
We are cleansed to serve the living God (2 Tim. 2:21)

4. Christ’s Blood Covers the Sins of All Time (9:15)
Christ is the Mediator of a new covenant by means of His death. (cf. 8:6)
His sacrifice paid the price for the transgressions committed under the first covenant (cf. Romans 3:24-25)
His work enables “those who are called” in every age to obtain an “eternal inheritance” (cf. 1 Peter 1:4)

5. The New Testament was put into Force by Jesus’ Blood
A testament only goes into force upon the death of the testator (9:16-17)
The word translated testament is the same word that has been translated covenant in Hebrews
It is from διαθήκη (diatheke) which Thayer defines as 1) a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid, the last disposition which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will 2) a compact, a covenant
The translation of “testament” in this context is warranted by the discussion of an “inheritance” (9:15)
A testament is of no force at all while the testator lives.

6. What About the Thief on the Cross?
Some claim to be saved like the thief on the Cross who was not baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins (Luke 23:39-43)
Those who make this claim have typically not put themselves in the same position as this thief.
Before His death, Christ could dispense forgiveness however He saw fit (Matt. 9:6)
A testator can give away his possessions anyway he pleases while he is alive.
Once Christ died, His testament is in force; its terms and conditions determine who is heir (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Acts 26:18; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:3)