⁹ This is a symbol^[a] of the present time, indicating that gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper^(A)

5 Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

¹⁹ He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.^(A)

¹¹ And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins.^(A)

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All

10 Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it^[a] can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach.^{(A) 2} Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? ³ But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year.^{(B) 4} For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.^(C)

¹⁸ There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual^{(A) 19} (for the law made nothing perfect); there is, on the other hand, the introduction of a better hope through which we approach God.^(B)

Another Priest, Like Melchizedek

¹¹ Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood—for the people received the law under this priesthood—what further need would there have been to speak of another priest arising according to the order of Melchizedek rather than one according to the order of Aaron?^(A)

²¹ Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law.

¹⁴ Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam, who is a pattern of the one who was to come.^(A)

²¹ And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for^[a] a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^(A)