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"The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first
tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure for the first time then present, in which
were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service
PERFECT, as pertaining to the conscience" (Heb. 9: 8, 9).
In place of the old and typical way stands the new and living way--"newly slain", as
the word means etymologically, although we cannot discover any example of its usage
that will warrant the doctrine that appears to lie in these suggestive words. This new and
living way has been consecrated, or dedicated, for us. Heb. 9: 18, using the word, reads,
"Neither was the first covenant dedicated without blood". Consecration or dedication
here includes the idea of something "new", or as we might say "initiation". Consecration
in Heb. 7: 28 has the entirely opposite thought of attaining an "end".
Teleioo . . .
Heb. 7: 28 . . . To perfect, bring to full end.
Egkainizo . . .
Heb. 10: 20 . . .
To initiate, bring in new.
Here is the introduction of something new in its consecration, new in its constitution.
A new way, newly dedicated.
Reconciliation by incarnation?
The way into the holiest of all is "through the veil, that is to say His flesh". The
connection between the incarnation and reconciliation is a theme that attracts many
believers and teachers. The fact that Christ became man, and, as they express it, brought
His Godhead down to our humanity that He might lift our humanity up to God, is not the
Scriptural basis for reconciliation. Heb. 2: 14 most surely reveals the absolute necessity
for the Lord to partake of flesh and blood, but it as surely declares the purpose to be:--
"That THROUGH DEATH He might destroy . . . . . and deliver."
Or again, in Heb. 10:, if we read in verse 5 of a "body prepared", we read in verse 10
of that body "offered". Not by His incarnation but by His one sacrifice are we saved and
sanctified. Calvary and not Bethlehem is the place of redemption, and though the crib at
Bethlehem was necessarily the first step, it is the cross of Calvary that is the
consummation. There could be no access into the holiest of all until "the veil, that is to
say His flesh" was rent in twain from top to bottom (Matt. 27: 50, 51).
The three-fold exhortation.
Let us draw near. Let us hold fast. Let us consider. The true heart with which we are
exhorted to draw near is consonant with the fact that Christ is the minister of the true
tabernacle (Heb. 8: 2; 9: 24). Instead of external washings this heart is sprinkled from
an evil conscience. The bodies washed with pure water seems to be a reference to the
washing of the high priest and the Levites (Lev. 16: 4; Numb. 8: 7), which type is
fulfilled in the heart sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Side by side with this threefold exhortation is seen the abiding three "Faith, hope and
love" (Heb. 10: 22-24). As we see these graces in their context we realize that to the