⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.^(A)

⁷ But only the high priest entered^(A) the inner room,^(B) and that only once a year,^(C) and never without blood,^(D) which he offered for himself^(E) and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.^{(F) 8} The Holy Spirit was showing^(G) by this that the way^(H) into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. ⁹ This is an illustration^(I) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(J) were not able to clear the conscience^(K) of the worshiper. ¹⁰ They are only a matter of food^(L) and drink^(M) and various ceremonial washings^(N)—external regulations^(O) applying until the time of the new order.

The Blood of Christ

¹¹ But when Christ came as high priest^(P) of the good things that are now already here,^[a](Q) he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle^(R) that is not made with human hands,^(S) that is to say, is not a part of this creation. ¹² He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves;^(T) but he entered the Most Holy Place^(U) once for all^(V) by his own blood,^(W) thus obtaining^[b] eternal redemption. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls^(X) and the ashes of a heifer^(Y) sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴ How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit^(Z) offered himself^(AA) unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences^(AB) from acts that lead to death,^[c](AC) so that we may serve the living God!^(AD)

¹⁰ And by that will, we have been made holy^(A) through the sacrifice of the body^(B) of Jesus Christ once for all.^(C)

¹⁴ For by one sacrifice he has made perfect^(A) forever those who are being made holy.^(B)

¹⁵ The Holy Spirit also testifies^(C) to us about this. First he says:

¹⁷ Then he adds:

¹⁸ And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.