IX.
Now, under the first [covenant], there were ordinances of ministration, and a worldly sanctuary. (2) For in the first tabernacle which was erected, there was the candlestick, and the table, and the bread of the presence; and this was called the Sanctuary. (3) But the inner tabernacle, which was within the second veil, was called the Holy of Holies. (4) And there were in it the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant, which was all overlaid with gold; and in it were the golden urn which contained the manna, and the rod of Aaron which sprouted, and the tables of the covenant; (5) and over it were the cherubim of glory, which overshadowed the mercy seat. But there is not time to speak particularly of each of the things which were so arranged. (6) And into the outer tabernacle the priests, at all times, entered, and performed their ministration. (7) But into the interior tabernacle, once a year only, the high priest entered, with the blood which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people. (8) And by this the Holy Spirit indicated, that the way to the holy [places] was not yet manifested, so long as the first tabernacle was standing: (9) and it was a symbol, for that time, during which oblation and sacrifices were offered that could not make perfect the conscience of him who offered them: (10) but [they consisted] only in food and drink, and in the ablutions of divers things; which were carnal ordinances, and were set up until the time of a reformation. — (11) But the Messiah who came, was a High Priest of the good things which he wrought: and he entered into the great and perfect tabernacle, which was not made with hands and was not of these created things. (12) And he did not enter with the blood of goats and calves; but with the blood of himself, he entered once into the sanctuary, and obtained eternal redemption. (13) For if the blood of goats and calves, with the ashes of a heifer, was sprinkled upon them that were defiled, and sanctified them as to the purification of their flesh; (14) then how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who by the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purge our conscience from dead works, so that we may serve the living God?
(15) And for this reason he became the Mediator of the new covenant, that he might by his death be redemption, to them who had transgressed the first covenant; so that they, who are called to the eternal inheritance, might receive the promise.—(16) For where there is a testament, it indicateth the death of him who made it. (17) For it is valid, only of a deceased [person]; because it hath no use, so long as the maker of it liveth. (18) Therefore also the first [covenant] was not confirmed without blood. (19) For when the whole ordinance had been propounded by Moses to all the people, according to the law; Moses took the blood of a heifer, and water, with scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled upon the books and upon all the people; (20) and said to them, This is the blood of the covenant which is enjoined by God. (21) With that blood he also sprinkled upon the tabernacle, and upon all the vessels of ministration: (22) because every thing, according to the law, is purified with blood: and without the shedding of blood, there is no remission. (23) For it was necessary that these, the emblems of heavenly things, should be purified, with those things; but the heavenly things themselves, with sacrifices superior to them. (24) For the Messiah entered not into the sanctuary made with hands, which is the emblem of the true [sanctuary]: but he entered into heaven itself to appear in the presence of God for us. (25) Neither [was it necessary], that he should offer himself many times, as the high priest entered every year into the sanctuary, with blood not his own: (26) otherwise, he must have suffered many times, since the commencement of the world; but now in the end of the world, he hath once offered himself in a self-sacrifice, to abolish sin. (27) And, as it is appointed to men, that they must once die, and after their death is the judgment; (28) so also the Messiah was once offered; and, by himself, he immolated the sins of many: and a second time, without sins, will he appear for the life of them who expect him.—