1. Near to the Heart of God A Study of the Book of Hebrews Lesson 21 Hebrews 9:15 – 28 The Best Bailout Ever or Dealing with Death

2. I. Introduction A.A facelift for your funeral? B.Should this topic be “R” rated? C.The shedding of animal blood is not popular. D.The hypocrisy of it all 1. Blood and violence on TV 2. Save the spotted owls, the dolphins, and the whales. 3. Partial birth abortions E.Where we’ve been: 1. A better priest 2. Better promises (a New Covenant) 3. A better place of ministry F.Where we are going: a better sacrifice.

3. II. The necessity of death (vss. 15-22) A.Judaism could pray for the violent death of an enemy (see Psalm 137:9), but it could not fathom the violent death of Messiah. 1. 1 Peter 1:10-12 2. John 12:30-34 3. Matthew 16:21-22 B.The argument of Hebrews 9:1-14 C.The greatest “bailout” of all time, at the price of Messiah’s death (9:15) D.Death is required to execute a will (16-17). E.Death was required to inaugurate and implement the Old Covenant (18-22). F.Conclusion: no forgiveness of sins w/o death

4. III. Death and the New covenant (vss. 23-28) A.The outer tent (den) was a virtual beehive of priestly activity (v. 6). B.The inner sanctuary (parlor) was a different story (v. 7). 1. Only the high priest entered once a year 2. Only with blood sacrifices 3. Sacrifice only for sins of ignorance C.Lessons we were meant to learn (vss. 8-10) 1. The system restricted access to God (v. 8). 2. There was no cleansing of conscience, a necessity for worship (v. 9). 3. Priestly ministry was merely external (v. 10).

5. D.The uniqueness of the sacrificial death and cleansing of our Great High Priest (vss. 23-26) 1. Better sacrifices (v. 23) 2. A better sanctuary (better access): in the heavens at the right hand of God (v. 24) 3. Offered His sacrifice only once, not continually as in the past (vss. 25-26) 4. Offered His own blood (vss. 25-26) 5. His offering put away sin (v. 26) 6. His offering is the consummation of the ages (v. 26). E.Where the dots connect: His death & ours (vss. 27-28).

6. V. Conclusion A.The good news: the curse (death) is the cure B.This is why the gospel is an offense C.This is the greatest “bailout” ever offered 1. We must admit we are bankrupt, with no hope of recovery on our own. 2. We must ask for and trust in God’s resources, His provision in Christ. D.The disaster of falling away E.For those who observe communion F.The three appearings (vss. 24, 26, 28) G.Diane Mapes: “Final Touch: A cosmetic lift for your funeral?” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28114566/

7. Copyright © 2008 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 21 in the series, Near to the Heart of God, A Study of the Book of Hebrews prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for December 14, 2008. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.