The High Priest of a New Covenant

8 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest,^(A) who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,^{(B) 2} and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle^(C) set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

³ Every high priest^(D) is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices,^(E) and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.^{(F) 4} If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.^{(G) 5} They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy^(H) and shadow^(I) of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned^(J) when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”^[a](K)

⁶ When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly^(A) into the outer room to carry on their ministry. ⁷ But only the high priest entered^(B) the inner room,^(C) and that only once a year,^(D) and never without blood,^(E) which he offered for himself^(F) and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.^{(G) 8} The Holy Spirit was showing^(H) by this that the way^(I) into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. ⁹ This is an illustration^(J) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(K) were not able to clear the conscience^(L) of the worshiper. ¹⁰ They are only a matter of food^(M) and drink^(N) and various ceremonial washings^(O)—external regulations^(P) applying until the time of the new order.

The Blood of Christ

¹¹ But when Christ came as high priest^(Q) of the good things that are now already here,^[a](R) he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle^(S) that is not made with human hands,^(T) that is to say, is not a part of this creation. ¹² He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves;^(U) but he entered the Most Holy Place^(V) once for all^(W) by his own blood,^(X) thus obtaining^[b] eternal redemption.

A Call to Persevere in Faith

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence^(A) to enter the Most Holy Place^(B) by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way^(C) opened for us through the curtain,^(D) that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest^(E) over the house of God,^{(F) 22} let us draw near to God^(G) with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,^(H) having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience^(I) and having our bodies washed with pure water.^{(J) 23} Let us hold unswervingly to the hope^(K) we profess,^(L) for he who promised is faithful.^{(M) 24} And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,^{(N) 25} not giving up meeting together,^(O) as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another^(P)—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.^(Q)