Now we can understand why Yahushua is the mediator of the new covenant. Through his death, he provided redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. And because of his sacrifice, those who are called can receive the promised eternal inheritance. Think about how a last will works. When someone leaves an inheritance through a will, that will takes effect after the person who made it has died. While that person is still alive, the will has not yet taken effect in that way. The writer uses this example to explain the importance of death in establishing what has been promised. And even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. Remember what happened when Moses delivered the commands of the Torah to the people of Israel. After declaring the instructions, Moses took blood from calves and goats, together with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop. He sprinkled the blood upon the book of the covenant and upon the people. Then he declared that this was the blood of the covenant Elohim had commanded them to keep. Moses also sprinkled blood upon the tabernacle and the sacred vessels used in its service. Under the Torah, blood was used for the purification of nearly everything in these ceremonies. And the Scripture explains that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Now remember that the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings were patterns pointing toward heavenly realities. The earthly things were purified through the appointed offerings. But the heavenly realities required a greater sacrifice. And this is where Yahushua's priesthood becomes especially important. Yahushua did not enter a sanctuary built by human hands, one that was only a representation of the true sanctuary. He entered heaven itself. And now he appears in the presence of Elohim on our behalf. He is our High Priest, representing us before the Father. But Yahushua does not need to sacrifice himself again and again. Under the former priesthood, the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place every year, carrying blood that belonged to another creature. Yahushua's offering is different. If his sacrifice needed to be repeated, he would have had to suffer and die many times throughout history. But that is not what happened. Instead, at the appointed time, he appeared once to deal with sin through the sacrifice of himself. One sacrifice. Offered once for all. And his work as our High Priest continues. Now think about something that every human being must face. Each person is appointed to die once, and after death comes judgment. In the same way, Yahushua was offered once to bear the sins of many people. But his story does not end with that sacrifice. He will appear a second time. And when he returns, he will not be coming to offer another sacrifice for sin. He will appear to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. That is the hope set before us. Yahushua offered himself once for all, entered the heavenly sanctuary, and now appears before Elohim on our behalf. His sacrifice does not need to be repeated. And those who wait for his return have the promise of salvation through him.
