Facing Forgiveness - Hebrews 9:15-28

The author continues to disclose Biblical clarification of spiritual realities that are shadowed by the physical ones mandated in the Old Testament. One of these clarifications is the New Covenant mentioned in chapter eight, which is now explained in terms of the atonement, inauguration, and forgiveness that Christ brings. It is an attempt by the author to dissuade the readers from returning to the habits and rituals of their former Jewish lifestyle. Acceptance of the author’s words fulfills the basic purpose of the book, ‘to cast off any weight or entangling sin by fixing the reader’s eyes upon Jesus, the initiator and perfecter of faith’ (cf. Heb. 12:1-3).