Hebrews 9 Bible Study Questions
- Read through the entire chapter of Hebrews 9. List at least five reasons why the heavenly sanctuary is superior to an earthly sanctuary like the tabernacle or temple.
- How did the Holy Spirit make it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed?
- Why could the gifts and sacrifices NOT perfect the worshipper’s conscience in the sacrificial system of the old covenant?
- What is the difference between a sin being covered and a sin being “taken away” (John 1:29) or “cleansed” (Hebrews 9:14)?
- The Hebrews author illustrated the mediation of a new covenant with the execution of a legal will. What did the new covenant “will” for believers and what needed to happen for it to be enacted?
- Why is there no forgiveness without the shedding of blood? (See Leviticus 17:11)
- Considering what the author of Hebrews said about the heavenly sanctuary of the new covenant, why was it important for the original audience to understand why their faith could not rightly exist as a combination of temple sacrifices and Christian faith?
- Christ appeared once to bear the sins of many, and he appeared in the heavenly sanctuary in the presence of God. What will happen when Christ appears a third time and how do these appearances inform the way a believer lives today?
Application:
- How does knowing a heavenly sanctuary awaits me impact my life in a world that is mainly governed by sight instead of faith?
- Where may I be in danger of trusting that which is “made by human hands”?
- What comfort do I find in knowing that the Lord’s ministry in heaven is eternal and complete?