⁹ This is an illustration^(A) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(B) were not able to clear the conscience^(C) of the worshiper.

²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(A) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(B) toward God.^[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(C)

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God,^(A) to offer gifts and sacrifices^(B) for sins.^(C)

¹⁴ Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam,^(A) who is a pattern of the one to come.^(B)

¹¹ trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ^(A) in them was pointing when he predicted^(B) the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you,^(C) when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you^(D) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.^(E) Even angels long to look into these things.

¹⁹ Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead,^(A) and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

¹¹ Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices,^(A) which can never take away sins.^(B)

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All

10 The law is only a shadow^(A) of the good things^(B) that are coming—not the realities themselves.^(C) For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect^(D) those who draw near to worship.^{(E) 2} Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.^{(F) 3} But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins.^{(G) 4} It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats^(H) to take away sins.^(I)

²⁴ For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one;^(A) he entered heaven itself,^(B) now to appear for us in God’s presence.^(C)