Bread 6/6/17

Hebrews 9:1-3
Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all...

Hebrews 9:8-9
the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience--

Hebrews 9:28
so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
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My Take:
The first covenant was a "copy" of heaven. People kept sinning though, and animals had to keep dying because of them. There must be blood shed for salvation. Christ stepped forth and ended the first covenant. People still kept sinning, but at least they are saved. That's the superiority of Christ's blood.

John MacArthur's Take:
The blood of Christ is an expression that refers not simply to the fluid, but the whole atoning sacrificial work of Christ in His death. The sacrifices of the OT did not remove the offerers' guilty conscience or provide them with full forgiveness for their sins. The conscience is a divinely given warning device that reacts to sin and produces accusation and guilt... At the time of salvation it is quieted from its convicting ravings, but it is not deactivated. Rather, it continues its work, warning the believer about sin. Believers should seek a clear conscience.