Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

The value and significance of the old testament, and how far the new excels it.

9 That first tabernacle indeed had observances, and the serving of God, and temporal holiness. ² For a foretabernacle was made, where the candlestick and the table and the showbread were, which is called holy. ³ But within the second veil there was a tabernacle that is called holiest of all. ⁴ It had the golden censer, and the ark of the testament overlaid round about with gold, in which was the golden pot with manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the testament. ⁵ Over the ark were the cherubims of glory covering the seat of grace – of which things we will not now speak particularly.

⁶ When these things had been set up accordingly, the priests went constantly into the first tabernacle and executed the service of God. ⁷ But into the second went the high priest alone, once every year – and not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the ignorance of the people. ⁸ By this the Holy Spirit was signifying that the way of holy things was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing. ⁹ That tabernacle was a similitude for the time then present, and in which gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not make the offerer perfect as pertaining to the conscience, ¹⁰ with only foods and drinks, and various washings and observances of the flesh, which were prescribed until the time of reformation.

¹¹ But Christ, being a high priest of good things to come, came by a greater and a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands; that is to say, not of this creation. ¹² Neither was it by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered once and for all into the holy place, and found eternal redemption.