Jesus is better than Aaron

The issue in Hebrews 10 and for the most part, the whole book of Hebrews is the cross. What did Jesus accomplish by His death on the cross?

Hebrews 10:1-4

10 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. ² Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? ³ But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. ⁴ Forit is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

First, it says in Hebrews 10:1 that the law is a shadow of the good things to come. The shadow is referring to the Old Covenant system that God gave to the nation of Israel. Part of the Old Covenant law was the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16). A priest had to offer sacrifices every year for their sins and the sins of the people of Israel. This was done by sacrificing bulls and goats. Hebrews 10:4 reads, “For it is impossible for the blood and goats to take away sins.” Our sin against God requires a perfect sacrifice, not animals.

The priest, which includes the shedding of a bulls blood is the shadow, while Christ is Real thing or fulfillment and shed His blood which took away the sins of the Church.  Jesus’ death really did something; the blood of bulls and goats does nothing.

Second,   the Day of Atonement never really took away sins. It was only a picture. However, Jesus death on the Cross atoned for the sins of His people (the elect). Jesus does not have to die over and over again, and we don’t have to come to Christ over and over again. So, Biblically there is no such thing as, "I came to Christ at age 7 and Jesus became my Lord at age 22." Believers have their sins forgiven AND we also get a new heart or a changed life, when we believe. Both are applied at the time of belief. Hebrews 10:14, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Both, forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit changing our lives, are part of the atonement. This is sometimes referred to as Lordship Salvation.

Third, the Day of Atonement took place every year. Jesus only died once to pay for sins.

Fourth, a priest represents a people to God. Therefore, Jesus represents all those who will believe (the elect) by offering His own life on the cross as the sacrificial offering to the Father on behalf of His Church. Those whom Jesus represents will never ever lose their salvation.

In summary, we are crazy to think the blood of created animals will cover our sins against a Holy God. We have sinned against at God that is holy, pure, righteous, and sovereign. God chose to send His Son to die on the cross so I could worship Him forever.