Read Hebrews 9:1-10

The priests of ancient Israel are gone. The forms and rituals that seemed so important have passed away. The author has told us that the old way of doing things is finished. There is a new agreement between God and humans.

Then here he repeats it all. Why? He describes the tent housing the ark, symbolizing the old covenant. He tells us what was in the Holy Place where all the priests ministered. He explains the furnishings of the Most Holy Place where just the high priest entered, coming into God’s presence only once a year. What’s his point? We’ve heard it all before. It must be incredibly important for him to stress again that the old sacrifices could not clear our consciences of sin. But, he says, big changes have come, a new order.

The next time you have a United States one-dollar bill, look at the back of it. There is the Great Seal of the United States. Notice particularly the left side. Observe the unfinished pyramid of 13 courses with “1776” on its base. The Latin words “Annuit coeptis” mean “He [God] approves the things which have been begun.” The other Latin phrase, “Novus ordo seclorum,” translates “New order of the ages.” When you see a dollar bill, think of God’s new order for everyone. He allows us into his immediate presence, the Most Holy Place, at any time. Christ’s death and resurrection make it possible.