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- Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.
- For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place.
- Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,
- having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant;
- and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
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- Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship,
- but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.
- The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,
- which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,
- since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.
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- But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;
- and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
- For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,
- how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
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