Ransomed by God
For Doctrine, Devotion, & Discipleship
Thank you for taking the time to join me today as we reflect on the rich and powerful truth of Christ’s atoning work on our behalf. Our focus is Hebrews 9:11-28, and we’ll discover how the Old and New Testaments together illuminate the glory of Christ as our High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the one who ransoms sinners like us.
The Necessity of Substitutionary Atonement
There’s only one way God could express the full weight of his holiness without consuming us, and the full depth of his love without condoning our sin: by providing a divine substitute who would take the judgment we deserve so that we might receive the mercy we could never earn. This is the glorious message of the Gospel. Hebrews 9 teaches us that Jesus Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant by becoming both the Great High Priest and the sinless Lamb of God.
From the earliest pages of Scripture, we’re taught that sin brings death (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23). God, in his mercy, established the sacrificial system under Moses to point his people to the reality of sin’s consequences and the need for cleansing. Leviticus 17:11 explains, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” But the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin (Heb. 10:4). These were shadows pointing forward to the true substance, which is Christ (Col. 2:17).
J.C. Ryle once wrote, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness, and only the blood of Christ can cleanse from all sin.” This is the heartbeat of Hebrews 9.
From Earthly Copies to Heavenly Realities
Hebrews 9:1-10 describes the earthly tabernacle and its regulations for worship. These served as copies of heavenly realities (Heb. 8:5). The high priest entered the Most Holy Place only once a year with blood not his own, to atone for both his sin and the people’s (Lev. 16:11-16). But this annual ritual could never fully cleanse the conscience or remove guilt.
Jesus, by contrast, entered a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands - that is, not of this creation (Heb. 9:11). This is the heavenly sanctuary, the true Holy of Holies where God dwells. Jesus didn’t bring the blood of animals, but his own precious blood, offered once for all (v.12). The earthly priest could only symbolize purity; Jesus actually was pure. He was unblemished, sinless (1 Pet. 1:19), and perfectly righteous (Heb. 4:15).
As Richard Baxter taught, “Christ is both our priest and our sacrifice; he goes to God for us with himself.” This dual role is vital: Christ is both the offeror and the offering.
The Power of Christ's Blood
Hebrews 9:13-14 makes a striking comparison. If the blood of goats and bulls could sanctify for outward purification, how much more will the blood of Christ purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God? Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t merely cleanse our flesh; it reaches to the core of our being, healing our guilt, removing our shame, and empowering us to serve God in newness of life.
Here’s grace in its most radiant form. Jesus’ blood redeems us from works that lead to death (v.14), frees us from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13), and secures eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12).
John Calvin reminds us, “The blood of Christ is not only a remedy for guilt, but the price of our redemption.” This is why Hebrews 9:15 declares Christ the mediator of a new covenant. Mediation in human terms often implies compromise, but God does not compromise. Instead, he satisfies his own justice by bearing its cost in the person of his Son.
The Divine Initiator of Reconciliation
One of the most awe-inspiring truths in this passage is that God, the offended party, is the one who initiates reconciliation. Verse 15 says, “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” God didn’t wait for us to reach up to him; he came down to us. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
Jesus’ death functions as a ransom (v.15), not in the sense of a payment to Satan, but as a price paid by God to God, satisfying divine justice and freeing us from slavery to sin. This echoes Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.”
As Martin Luther said, “Christ is the mirror of the Father’s heart.” In Christ we see both God’s holiness and love fully displayed.
The Covenant Sealed with Blood
Hebrews 9:18-22 points us back to Exodus 24, when Moses sprinkled the people with blood to seal the first covenant. Without blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (v.22). The symbolism is profound: blood represents life, and life must be given for justice to be satisfied. The Old Covenant was inaugurated with the blood of animals; the New Covenant was inaugurated with the blood of God’s Son (Luke 22:20).
Sinclair Ferguson puts it beautifully: “Jesus did not die simply to give us a second chance; he died to give us a new heart, a cleansed conscience, and a secure inheritance.”
Christ's Final and Sufficient Sacrifice
Hebrews 9:23-26 reminds us that Christ entered heaven itself, not merely a symbolic tent. He appeared before God on our behalf. He didn’t offer himself repeatedly, but once for all, to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (v.26). His death wasn’t provisional or partial; it was complete and sufficient.
There’s no more need for sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His resurrection is proof that God accepted the offering. He now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father (Rom. 8:34).
John Owen wrote, “The death of Christ is the death of sin, and the resurrection of Christ is the resurrection of grace.”
Our Sure and Living Hope
Hebrews 9:27-28 concludes with sober reality and joyful hope. All must die and face judgment (v.27). But for those who are in Christ, judgment has already fallen at the cross. Jesus will return, not to deal with sin again, but to save those who eagerly wait for him (v.28).
This is our hope: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Because he bore our sins in his body on the tree (1 Pet. 2:24), we can now live in righteousness. The work is finished. Victory has been won.
Practical Implications for Today
We can live with a clean conscience. Because Christ’s blood cleanses us from dead works, we no longer live under the weight of guilt and shame. Our past doesn’t define us; Christ does.
We’re free to serve the living God. Christ’s sacrifice not only pardons but empowers. Our lives are no longer ours but belong to the One who ransomed us. This fuels a life of grateful obedience.
We live in hope, not fear. In a world filled with suffering and uncertainty, we cling to the unshakeable truth that Jesus will come again to save those who are waiting for him. Our hope is anchored in the finished work of Christ.
Key Principles
Christ is the perfect and final sacrifice. (Heb. 9:12, 26) No other sacrifice is needed because Jesus’ offering was sufficient for all time.
God is both the just and the justifier. (Rom. 3:26; Heb. 9:15) God satisfied his justice by bearing its cost in Christ.
Believers are freed from guilt to serve God. (Heb. 9:14) True redemption results in transformed living.
Bible Study Questions
Read Hebrews 9:1-10 and Exodus 25:1-22. What are the similarities and differences between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly one?
In Hebrews 9:11-12, how does Christ’s sacrifice surpass that of the Old Covenant? Compare with Leviticus 16.
What does Leviticus 17:11 teach us about the significance of blood? How does Hebrews 9:22 expand on this?
Reflect on Hebrews 9:14. What does it mean to have your conscience cleansed? What are “dead works”?
According to Hebrews 9:15, what is the promised eternal inheritance? See also 1 Peter 1:3-4.
In Hebrews 9:16-17, how is the idea of a “will” or testament used to explain Christ’s death?
Consider Exodus 24:3-8 and Hebrews 9:18-22. Why was blood used to inaugurate both covenants?
Read Hebrews 9:23-24. What does it mean that Jesus appeared in Heaven itself on our behalf?
Why is it significant that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all? (Heb. 9:25-26; 10:10)
What does Hebrews 9:27-28 teach us about death, judgment, and the second coming?
How does Hebrews 9 point to both God’s justice and his love?
How do the truths in Hebrews 9 empower you to live with boldness and gratitude?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
What does it mean to you that God provided a substitute for your sin?
How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen your appreciation for Christ’s death?
In what ways do you struggle with guilt or shame? How can Hebrews 9 bring freedom?
What practical difference does it make in your life that Jesus is your High Priest?
Do you eagerly await Christ’s return (Heb. 9:28)? What would that look like in everyday life?
How does your understanding of the cross shape how you respond to suffering?
What motivates your service to God? Duty, guilt, or gratitude?
How do you explain the meaning of the cross to someone who doesn’t believe?
Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to “earn” your forgiveness?
How can this chapter encourage you in the midst of fear, failure, or doubt?
Action Steps
Begin each day by thanking God for the finished work of Christ. Confess your sins not in fear, but in faith that Jesus has fully paid the price.
Spend time this week reading Leviticus 16 and 17 to better grasp the foundation of atonement. Reflect on how they point to Christ.
Ask God to show you one area where you can serve joyfully out of love and gratitude rather than obligation. Let your cleansed conscience lead to fruitful service.
Conclusion
Dear friends, we have a Savior who has entered the heavenly sanctuary, offered his own blood, and secured for us an eternal redemption. Christ is our High Priest, our spotless Lamb, and our sure hope. May this truth bring rest to your soul, strength to your faith, and joy to your walk.
Thank you again for joining me today. I hope you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this glorious truth with me. Remember, there are many other resources that come out weekly that do not go out via email. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other tools by clicking here: Walking Points. If this post was a blessing to you, I encourage you to share it with others and invite them to subscribe as well.