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A cleansed conscience

Contrasts the old and new covenants and the sufficiency of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice.

Elliott Gibbs The book of Hebrews
Verses
Table of contents

The heart of the passage

The author of Hebrews contrasts the temporary, external nature of the old covenant with the lasting, inward work of the new covenant established through Christ. His sacrifice cleanses the conscience, provides forgiveness and secures an eternal redemption that never needs to be repeated.

From old to new

  1. The old covenant was external.
    • The old covenant focused on outward regulations and ceremonial practices.
    • External rituals could not permanently cleanse the conscience.
  2. The new covenant is internal.
    • Christ transforms people from the inside out.
    • The new covenant cleanses the conscience and changes the heart.
  3. The shedding of blood is required for forgiveness.
    • Forgiveness requires the giving of life through the shedding of blood.
    • The sacrificial system pointed forward to Christ’s perfect sacrifice.
  4. Christ’s sacrifice was once, and for all.
    • Christ does not need to die repeatedly.
    • His sacrifice completely accomplished what was necessary for salvation.

Living in light of the new covenant

  1. When our consciences are dirty, we try to cover them up.
  2. Christ doesn’t need to die over and over, we need to remember what he has already done.
  3. We need to die with Christ to enjoy the benefits of the new covenant.

Key terms

  • Old covenant — The covenant established through the Mosaic law with its sacrifices and ceremonial regulations.
  • New covenant — God’s covenant established through Jesus Christ that brings inward transformation and complete forgiveness.
  • Conscience — A person’s inner awareness of guilt, innocence and moral responsibility.
  • Shedding of blood — The giving of life through sacrifice as the basis for atonement and forgiveness.
  • Once for all — The complete and final nature of Christ’s sacrifice that never needs to be repeated.

Insight

  • The old covenant exposed sin but could not permanently cleanse the heart.
  • The new covenant changes believers inwardly through Christ’s finished work.
  • Forgiveness is possible because Christ offered the perfect sacrifice.
  • Christ’s sacrifice is fully sufficient, inviting believers to rest in what he has already accomplished.
The better covenant and the better priest
A faith that perseveres