¹² At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, ¹³ and he was in the wilderness forty days,^(A) being tempted^[a] by Satan.^(B) He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;^(A)

¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”^[a](A)

⁸ 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. ⁹ 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.

The Blood of Christ

¹¹ But when Christ came as high priest^(J) of the good things that are now already here,^[a](K) he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle^(L) that is not made with human hands,^(M) 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;^(N) but he entered the Most Holy Place^(O) once for all^(P) by his own blood,^(Q) thus obtaining^[b] eternal redemption. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls^(R) and the ashes of a heifer^(S) sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴ How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit^(T) offered himself^(U) unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences^(V) from acts that lead to death,^[c](W) so that we may serve the living God!^(X)