HEBREWS 9:15-22

THERE IS BUT ONE WAY

March 13, 2016

David Bartosik

Hebrews 9:15-22 ESV: [15] Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. [16] For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. [17] For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. [18] Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. [19] For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, [20] saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” [21] And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. [22] Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

The author of Hebrews repeatedly shows that Jesus brings a radically new way of relating to God and emphasizes the absolute necessity of Jesus’ blood if we are to enjoy walking with Him in this life and see Him in the next. 

  • Jesus’ death pays for all sins
  • Death has always been needed to pay for sins
  • There is no other way to Eternal Inheritance

Life Group Questions

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

  1. How would you summarize chapter 9:1-14?
  2. As precisely as possible, what is the writer referring back to when he says “therefore”? 
  3. What does it mean that Christ is our mediator?  Is Christ a new mediator? Explain.
  4. What does the author intend to communicate by using the word “called”?
  5. According to the author, what requirement must be met in order for a will to take effect? Why? 
  6. Why does the author place an importance on death in reference to God’s plan of salvation?
  7. What does the author mean by saying “even the first covenant was inaugurated by blood”?
  8. Does the blood shed in the Old Covenant cleanse anything?  If so, to what degree?
  9. What does it mean “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness?”  Is there something magical about blood? Explain.
  10. How would you paraphrase the big idea of 9:15-22?

HOW DOES IT APPLY?

  1. Have you ever had a conversation with some one who said there are multiple ways to heaven?  How did/would you respond?
  2. What does this promised eternal inheritance mean to you? 
  3. How would you encourage someone who says that they treasure Christ, but still feel insecure/guilty over past choices in life?
  4. How would you respond to someone who asked “Why can’t God just say, ‘I forgive you’? Why the need for death?” 
  5. When did you realize the great cost of your forgiveness? 
  6. How can you live more in the promised freedom of the blood of Christ?