Hebrews 9:1-5 Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now. Big Idea: God cares about how we worship him. Hebrews 9:1 Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. Exodus 25:8-9 “They are to make a sanctuary for me so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings.” Some of the Old Testament Regulations for Worship: Exodus 20:3-11 (The first four Commandments) Exodus 25-31 (Building the Tabernacle and its furnishings) Leviticus 1-7 (Types of sacrifices) Leviticus 16 (The Day of Atonement) Leviticus 23 (Festivals and Holidays) 1 Samuel 13:13-14 Samuel said to Saul, “You have been foolish. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. It was at this time that the Lord would have permanently established your reign over Israel, but now your reign will not endure. The Lord has found a man after his own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over his people, because you have not done what the Lord commanded.” John 4:23-24 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth. New Testament Regulations for Worship: Matthew 6 (How to give, pray, and fast) 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (Orderliness in worship) Ephesians 5:18-20 (Be filled with the Spirit; sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs) Hebrews 12:28-29 (Serve God with reverence and awe) Romans 12:1 (Offer your bodies as living sacrifices) Romans 12:1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Reformers and the 5 Solas of Salvation: Salvation is by: Sola Gratia - Grace alone Sola Fide - Faith alone Solus Christus - In Christ alone Sola Scriptura - According to Scripture alone Soli Deo Gloria - For the Glory of God alone Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Hebrews 9:2 For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. John 6:35 “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.” John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Hebrews 9:3-4 Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Matthew 27:50-51 But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. Exodus 16:31 “It resembled coriander seed, was white, and tasted like wafers made with honey.” Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Romans 9:15 For he tells Moses, “I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Hebrews 9:5 The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now. Isaiah 6:1-2 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. Mercy Seat - ἱλαστήριον - hilasterion - place of propitiation. place of expiation. Propitiation - gaining or regaining the favor or goodwill of someone (or a god) by appeasing them, especially after a wrong has been done. Expiation - the act of atoning for sin by removing or canceling its guilt and consequences, often through a sacrificial offering that covers or cleanses the offense. If you don’t know something is wrong, you won’t feel the need to change. Graphic from Full of Eyes Romans 3:25 God presented him as the mercy seat (hilasterion) by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. Root of ἱλαστήριον - hilasterion ileōs - ιλεως - grace, or mercy. Next Step: I will repent and submit my life to Christ.