In this verse, the author of Hebrews contrasts the earthly tabernacle and the Old Testament system of sacrifices with the heavenly reality brought by Jesus Christ. The earthly tabernacle, built by human hands, served as a representation or shadow of the true heavenly sanctuary where God dwells. However, Jesus, as our High Priest, didn't enter into the physical tabernacle, but He entered into the very presence of God in heaven on our behalf.
The phrase "now to appear in the presence of God for us" is significant. It highlights the ongoing and active role of Jesus as our mediator and advocate before God. As our High Priest, Jesus continually represents us in the heavenly realms, interceding on our behalf, and making reconciliation for our sins. He is not only our Savior but also our Advocate and Intercessor, bringing us before the Father and securing our relationship with Him.
The word "us" in this verse emphasizes the inclusiveness of Jesus' work on behalf of all believers. It is not limited to a specific group or time but extends to all who put their faith in Him. As believers, we can find comfort and assurance in the knowledge that Jesus is continually present in the heavenly sanctuary, standing in the gap for us, and ensuring that our sins are forgiven and our prayers are heard.
The significance of this verse lies in the contrast between the temporary and imperfect earthly system of sacrifices under the Old Covenant and the permanent and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ under the New Covenant. The earthly tabernacle required repeated sacrifices performed by human priests, and it only provided temporary atonement for sins. However, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was once for all, offering complete and eternal redemption for all who believe in Him.
Hebrews 9:25-26 further elaborates on this contrast: "Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own, or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
These verses emphasize that Jesus' sacrifice is unparalleled and superior to the Old Testament sacrifices. Unlike the human high priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect and sinless Lamb of God once and for all. His sacrifice had eternal efficacy, covering all sins past, present, and future.
As believers, we can take great comfort in the fact that our sins are fully forgiven and removed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We no longer need to rely on the temporary and inadequate sacrifices of the Old Testament system. Instead, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus stands in the presence of God for us, advocating on our behalf.
The truth conveyed in Hebrews 9:24 serves as a reminder of the depth of God's love and the completeness of His work on our behalf. It assures us that we have a High Priest who understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us. Jesus' presence in heaven on our behalf is a source of comfort, hope, and assurance in our Christian walk.
In conclusion, Hebrews 9:24 highlights the superiority of Jesus' sacrifice as our High Priest. He entered into heaven itself, not the earthly tabernacle, to appear in the presence of God for us. As believers, we have the assurance that Jesus continually represents us before the Father, interceding on our behalf. His sacrifice on the cross is complete, once-for-all, and eternal, offering full forgiveness of sins and eternal redemption. We can approach God with confidence and hope, knowing that Jesus stands as our Advocate and Mediator, securing our relationship with the Father. Let us embrace the truth of Hebrews 9:24 with gratitude, trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf.
Hebrews 9:24. Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.