In the Old Testament, the high priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement, which means “reconciliation.” This act was meant to wipe away the people’s sins so they could be reconciled and have communion again with the heavenly Father.
The priest carried into the Holy of Holies a handful of incense, a censer of burning coals from the altar, and a container of blood from a slain ox. Within the Holy of Holies was an ark that had the mercy seat on top of it where God “sat.” It was his very presence.
After cleansing himself in an elaborate ceremony, the priest went inside the Holy of Holies with great reverence and fear. He dropped the incense into the fire, causing an aroma and smoke to ascend. This represented the prayers of Christ interceding for his people. Then the priest dipped his finger into the blood and sprinkled it seven times on the mercy seat.
“He shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times” (Leviticus 16:14, NKJV).
When the blood was sprinkled on God’s seat, forgiveness of all sins was accomplished, and all past sins were covered. When the high priest came out, the people knew God had accepted the sacrifice, and their sins were pardoned. Israel never doubted it!
Beloved, we too have a High Priest: Jesus, our Lord, our High Priest forever. Jesus took his own blood to the true mercy seat in God’s presence, the Holy of Holies, and presented it for the remission of all sins, of all believers, for all time.
Scripture says of this act, “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood he entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).
Jesus took his own blood into heaven for us, and it is not reserved there simply as a memorial. It is to be sprinkled on all who come to him by faith.