J O H N W. M O O R E

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FROM THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

The following discussion is given to aid the reader in his or her study of Hebrews. Therefore, in order to gain the full effect of the following comments, it is suggested that you read the book of Hebrews in its entirety, and especially chapters six and nine.

Explain the following expressions found in Hebrews chapter nine: "cherubim of glory" (v. 5); "time of reformation" (v. 10); "the eternal spirit" (v. 14); "better sacrifices" (v. 23), and "appointed unto men once to die" (v. 27).

"Cherubims of glory" ­ Cherubims is plural for cherub, and has reference to the unique creatures which were made to sit at opposite ends of the ark of the covenant. These gold-covered creatures possessed wings that overshadowed the ark and particularly the mercy seat. This was the place which symbolized God's presence and where blood was sprinkled on the day of atonement.
"Time of reformation" ­ Reformation involves making something right or better. It involves a "new order" (Rienecker, p. 695). Under the old order, there were gifts and sacrifices offered, all kinds of ceremonial washings practiced, and various fleshly ordinances imposed, yet it could not make anything clean or whole. The old system was inadequate and needed to be changed. It served its purpose, but was intended to be temporary, as indicated by "until." These elements of the Levitical system were "figures" (v. 9) of "good things to come" (10:1). Therefore, because Christ has "come an high priest of good things to come" (9:11) and things are now put right, we may call the Christian age the "time of reformation."
"The Eternal Spirit" ­ In verses 13 and 14, there is a definite contrast between flesh and spirit. Since the definite article is not present, verse 14 most likely refers to things pertaining to a spiritual nature. If it is taken in this way, its meaning becomes clear in light of the context. The sacrifices and washings were of a fleshly nature and only cleaned the flesh, but Christ's sacrifice was of a spiritual nature. Furthermore, His sacrifice was of a willing spirit unlike the unwilling victims of sacrifice under the law. Still further, emphasis is given to the eternal nature of Christ's sacrifice.
"Better sacrifices" ­ Under the old covenant, everything had to be purified by blood. The old covenant and its practices were a shadow and pertained, in a metaphorical sense, to an unreal world prefiguring a real or eternal world. If, therefore, the blood of bulls and goats could not purify the figures or shadows, how much more then was needed a better sacrifice for the real world of heavenly things. The better sacrifice was Jesus, and He is not entered into the Holy Place to appear in the presence of God for us (v. 24). Truly, the sacrifice of God's Son is far, far greater, purer, and more glorious than any animal sacrifice.
"Appointed unto men once to die" ­ The word "appointed" means to lay away or store up. It also means "a truth which is continually true" (Reinecker, p. 698). Thus, it is true that death awaits man and he dies only once. Christ's sacrifice was once and for all and does not need to be continually offered up like sacrifices under the old law. The next time He comes to earth it will not be to deal with sins, for that was already secured, but rather He will return to take the redeemed to glory.