But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. (Hebrews 9:7-9, NIV)
In the Old Testament, sacrifices are common ways for penitence and worship. The Bible registers exorbitant amounts of blood from rams, bulls, calves and goats and lambs. This meant that sin is death, and the only way one could be forgiven and freed from sin is by blood of an innocent. It became a perpetual reminder for Israel –for us, too- that we deserved to die: the animal took our place.
However perfect this presented, it couldn’t clear the conscience of those penitent. It became, though, that the reminder of the inability of self-purity would be carried. Until Christ came. In John 19:34, “Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” Water for purity, blood for atonement.
This blood became the substance for the world’s redemption by Christ. What sacrifices couldn’t do, Jesus fulfilled it. Our ransom was paid by the Savior, Redeemer and Liberator. It prompts me to return: I need blood. And where do I find that blood? On the feet of the cross, where our weakness was sealed.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9, NIV)