Part 4: Access to the Holiest - Entering with Boldness (Hebrews 9:11-28)

Sermon on 11 July 2026 by Pastor Justin Chia2026

Introduction

In the Old Testament, the earthly great High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies once a year, on the day of atonement, and used an animal blood sacrifice to cleanse himself as well the sins of the people.

But Christ, with His own blood, has cleansed us once and for all. Hebrews 9 compares the old covenant of worship in the earthly tabernacle with the finished work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.

Message

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. - Hebrews 9:15

The Tabernacle shows the journey of approaching God. The items in the holy place (including the table of showbread, altar of incense, golden lampstand, and the ark of the covenant) symbolises sacrifice, cleansing, worship, prayer, and finally, access to God’s presence. In the New Covenant, Jesus fulfils all of this and gives us bold access to God. He is the great High Priest. His sacrifice was not temporary, repeated, or incomplete. His atonement with His blood was perfect, final, and brought eternal freedom. Because Jesus died and rose again, believers have access to God.

1. Christ entered the true sanctuary for us

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. - Hebrews 9:11

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; - Hebrews 9:24

Jesus stands for us before the Father. He is our Saviour, our High Priest, and our way to God.

2. Christ offered the perfect sacrifice once for all

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. - Hebrews 9:12

He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. - Hebrews 9:26

Jesus is the Lamb of God. He has cleansed our conscience, so that we can serve God. So serve God with gratitude. Obey God because you are loved. Rest in the completed sacrifice of Jesus.

3. Christ cleanses us to serve the living God

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? - Hebrews 9:14

So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. - Hebrews 9:28

God brings us near so we can walk with Him. He forgives us so we can live differently. He cleanses us so we can serve Him with joy.

Closing

Hebrews 9 is very powerful in telling us to anchor our faith in Jesus the great High Priest. Christ’s sacrifice gives believers access to heavenly realities and removes the need for old rituals. So enter with boldness. Come back to prayer, to worship, to obedience, to service. Come back to the Father.