Although the blood of animal sacrifices was commanded in the Old Testament, it was only a temporary part of God’s plan. It was never able to wash away sins. Old Testament believers were saved by faith – just like we are today.

Verse 23 of Hebrews 9 reveals that animal sacrifices were only a “pattern” of things to come – of a better sacrifice. The fact that animal sacrifices could never take away sin was emphasized by the fact that these sacrifices had to be repeated over and over.

Christ’s sacrifice of Himself was totally different. His sacrifice was the final one. He never needed to make another one, which would mean He would have to die again. Hebrews 10:10 confirms that there would never be another sacrifice that God would accept: “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

The text verse reveals that Christ entered Heaven (when He ascended) with His own blood and put it on the altar in Heaven – no other blood has ever been put there for us. It is there for eternity guaranteeing our salvation and acceptance with God.

If you are not trusting in His atoning (covering) blood for your sin – you are not saved. Hebrews 9:22 tells us that “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Remission means “covering” or putting away of sin.

Can you thank God now for what Christ did for you on the Cross? He shed His blood for your salvation and mine because He loved us. We must, however, accept the gift of salvation at Christ’s expense.