What Biblical Hope Does (Heb. 6:19-20) (Part 4)

BIBLICAL HOPE TURNS YOU UPWARDLY.

“This hope” is “one which enters within the veil.”

• The background for this statement is probably the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:1-34).
• Once a year on a set day and by a set procedure, the high priest entered the most holy area in the tabernacle.
• The tabernacle, a large portable tent where worship happened, was divided into two areas: the holy place and the most holy place.
• This most holy place was called “The Holy of Holies.”
• Only the high priest could enter the most holy area, and that was done solemnly, cautiously and prayerfully.
• The procedure required blood – lots of blood – the blood of bulls and goats.
• When the high priest entered the most holy area with blood, he was said to be behind or “within the veil.”
• The veil was a thick curtain that, floor to ceiling, separated the holy place from the most holy place.
• Jesus, our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14), accomplished by His own death and shed blood once-and-for all what the blood of bulls and goats could not accomplish.
• Hebrews 10:4 > “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
• What is the significance of Jesus' shed blood?

“There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains . . .”¹

• Hebrews 9:22 > “ . . . without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
• This hope thrills me incredibly!
• How I want to break out in worship right now!
• In a moment, we will do that when we celebrate Communion.

1Cowper, William. “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #95.