Meaning of Hebrews 9:11

Hebrews 9:11 distinguishes the earthly tabernacle and its priestly ministry from the superior, heavenly reality inaugurated by Christ. The author of Hebrews is contrasting the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial system, which operated within a physical, divinely constructed but earthly sanctuary, with the perfect and ultimate sacrifice and high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. The "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is not a physical structure built by human hands, nor is it part of the created order as we understand it. Instead, it refers to the celestial sanctuary, the very presence of God, into which Christ, as the High Priest, entered once for all. This entry signifies the completion of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of a new covenant, superseding the old covenant mediated by the earthly tabernacle and its rituals.

Context and Background

The epistle to the Hebrews is written to a community of Jewish Christians who were likely struggling with maintaining their faith in Christ amidst the pressures of their Jewish heritage and community. The author systematically argues for the supremacy of Jesus Christ over the Old Testament institutions, including the angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system. Chapter 9 meticulously details the rituals and furnishings of the earthly tabernacle, emphasizing their limitations and foreshadowing nature. The tabernacle, with its Holy Place and Most Holy Place, represented a tiered access to God, with the Most Holy Place accessible only once a year by the High Priest. This earthly, tangible sanctuary served as a shadow of heavenly realities.

Key Themes and Messages

• Christ's Superior Priesthood: Jesus is presented as a High Priest of a new and better order, superior to the Aaronic priesthood.
• The Heavenly Sanctuary: The "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is identified as the heavenly sanctuary, God's very presence, which is not of this created world.
• Perfection and Completeness: Christ's ministry is perfect and complete, unlike the repetitive and imperfect sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
• "Good Things That Are Now Already Here": This phrase refers to the blessings and realities of salvation and reconciliation with God that are now available through Christ's work, which the earthly tabernacle only pointed to.
• Not Made with Human Hands: This emphasizes the divine origin and non-material nature of Christ's sanctuary, distinguishing it from all earthly constructs.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse highlights the profound reality that believers today have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. The barrier between humanity and God, symbolized by the veil in the earthly tabernacle, has been torn down by Christ's sacrifice. We are no longer limited by earthly rituals or intermediaries. The "good things" – forgiveness of sins, eternal life, communion with God – are not distant aspirations but present realities for those in Christ. This understanding should inspire confidence, assurance, and a deeper commitment to living in relationship with God, knowing that our High Priest has secured our access to the divine presence.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Hebrews 9:11 is a pivotal point in the author's argument, serving as a bridge between the description of the earthly tabernacle and the explanation of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It directly connects to the promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system was a preparatory stage, a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ would offer. This verse underscores the fulfillment of those types and shadows in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Analogies

One analogy to understand the "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is to consider a blueprint versus the actual building. The earthly tabernacle was like a detailed blueprint of God's plan for salvation, meticulously designed and constructed according to divine specifications. However, it was not the finished product. Christ's entry into the "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is akin to entering the completed, magnificent building itself, the reality that the blueprint only represented. Another analogy is that of a royal ambassador presenting credentials (earthly tabernacle) versus the king himself entering the throne room (heavenly tabernacle) to establish direct peace and reconciliation.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds significant resonance with other passages in Hebrews, particularly:

• Hebrews 9:12: "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves; but by his own blood he entered the Most Holy Place once for all, obtaining eternal redemption." This verse immediately follows, clarifying how Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary.
• Hebrews 10:19-22: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings..." This passage directly builds upon the concept of Christ's heavenly ministry and its implications for believers.
• 1 Peter 3:18: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit." This verse echoes the singular, ultimate nature of Christ's sacrifice that leads to access to God.