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The old arrangements stood as symbols until Christ, the truth, came

8-10 By these things the Holy Spirit means us to understand that the way to the holy of holies was not yet open, that is, so long as the first tent and all that it stands for still exist. For in this outer tent we see a picture of the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered and yet are incapable of cleansing the soul of the worshipper. The ceremonies are concerned with food and drink, various washings and rules for bodily conduct, and were only intended to be valid until the time when Christ should establish the truth.

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The Holy Spirit was showing(A) by this that the way(B) into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration(C) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered(D) were not able to clear the conscience(E) of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food(F) and drink(G) and various ceremonial washings(H)—external regulations(I) applying until the time of the new order.

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