The Holy Place

The Holy Place
Words of Faith 2-24-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 8
[1] The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, [2] and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
[3] Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. [4] If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. [5] They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." [6] But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

The book of Hebrews is no easy read. It is one of the most theologically profound books of the New Testament. The Writer has brought to us the Word of God regarding the excellence of Christ, the promised Sabbath‑Rest of God, the role of Christ as our Great High Priest, the dangers of falling away, and the superiority of Christ, like the order of Melchizedek. This is weighty stuff. Now, the Writer moves on to describe the New Covenant of God in Christ.

As we begin this new section, the Writer speaks as if Temple sacrifice is still in practice. This helps to date Hebrews before 70 A.D., when the Temple was destroyed. It may well be that the war of 66 A.D. was raging in Jerusalem, and Jews who had professed Jesus as Messiah were being called to fight loyally for the Temple. The Writer now argues that the old sacrificial system has been superseded by the sacrifice of Jesus, perhaps to suggest that such a fight would be useless.

The Writer clarifies a point he had not stated directly: that Jesus serves in a sanctuary that is the true tabernacle of the Lord. The Temple in Jerusalem, like the tabernacle of Moses in the desert, was a shadow of this true tabernacle of the Lord. Our experience of worship is enhanced if we think of approaching God through the image and structure of the Temple.

While no one can describe precisely such heavenly places, we know that we can enter into worship that begins spiritually in an outer court of praise, where psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are lifted. As we move into the inner courts, we discover that our own sin is revealed in this holy place.

In our worship, there is a place of sacrifice, but no sacrifice goes on here, for Jesus our High Priest has made an offering that was once and for all. His blood has covered our sin upon the mercy seat of the holy of holies. Because of this, we are permitted to move in utter humility into the holy place where only priests were once allowed. We can even see where the great curtain that once hid the holy of holies has been torn away.

The wonder of this description is that our High Priest has removed the separation between God and humanity. It is here that Jesus serves in the Sanctuary and is seated at the right hand of God. This is the goal of our worship with Him. We commune with God.

How long has it been since you drew near to Him? Has it been a while since you visited His tabernacle? Why not spend some time there today?

Lord, I long for the holy place. I long to draw near to You. I lift my spirit in praise and thanksgiving. I claim Your work for me upon the cross. Draw near to me as I draw near to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.