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That is how these two parts of the tent were set up. The priests always went into the first part of the tent to perform their duties. But only the chief priest went into the second part of the tent. Once a year he entered and brought blood that he offered for himself and for the things that the people did wrong unintentionally. The Holy Spirit used this to show that the way into the most holy place was not open while the tent was still in use.

The first part of the tent is an example for the present time. The gifts and sacrifices that were brought there could not give the worshiper a clear conscience. 10 These gifts and sacrifices were meant to be food, drink, and items used in various purification ceremonies. These ceremonies were required for the body until God would establish a new way of doing things.

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When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly(A) into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 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) 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. 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.

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