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Study 13 of 18

Chapter 12: Perfection

The goal of Christ's priesthood is the perfection of the worshiper's conscience.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In this pivotal chapter, A. T. Jones explains that the ultimate design of the heavenly sanctuary and Christ's high priestly ministry is the total moral and spiritual perfection of the believer. He contrasts the Levitical system, which could only effect a ceremonial 'purifying of the flesh,' with the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ, which reaches the very conscience. Jones asserts that Christ, having been made perfect through suffering, now serves to purge the worshiper's conscience from 'dead works'—those acts tainted by the presence of sin. This divine ministry is not merely a legalistic record-keeping but a transformative process where Christ's perfect obedience to the will of God is established within the human heart. By faith, the believer enters the sanctuary to find a cleansing so thorough that they no longer possess a 'conscience of sins.' This state of sanctification is the 'better hope' that enables us to draw nigh to God and become a dwelling place for His Holy Spirit.

Key points

  • Perfection of the worshiper is the central aim of Christ's heavenly priesthood.
  • The Levitical priesthood was temporary and typical, unable to perfect the conscience.
  • Christ's blood purges the conscience from 'dead works' so we may serve the living God.
  • The 'will of God' is our sanctification, established by Christ's perfect obedience.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 6:1
  • Hebrews 9:11-14
  • Hebrews 10:1-4

From the book

Chapter 12 · Hebrews 9-10 · Read this chapter

  • “The great thought and purpose of the true sanctuary, its priesthood, and ministry, is that God shall dwell in the hearts of the people.” (ch. 12)
  • “Dead works therefore are works that have sin in them.” (ch. 12)
  • “The true sacrifice and the true ministry in 'the sanctuary and the true tabernacle' do make the comers thereunto perfect, and this perfection consists in the worshipers having 'no more conscience of sins.'” (ch. 12)

Put it into practice

  • Ask Christ to purge your conscience from 'dead works' today.
  • Study the difference between the Levitical and Melchizedek priesthoods.
  • Surrender your will to be replaced by the perfect will of God.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the ultimate purpose of the true sanctuary according to Jones?

  2. Scripture

    2. Why could the Levitical priesthood not make the worshiper perfect?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. How does Jones define 'dead works' in the context of Hebrews 9:14?

  4. Contrast

    4. What is the 'better hope' mentioned in Hebrews 7:19?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. How does the 'will of God' relate to our sanctification?

  6. Scripture

    6. What does it mean to have 'no more conscience of sins'?

  7. Contrast

    7. According to Hebrews 10:5-9, what did Christ come to do?

  8. Application

    8. How does the hope of perfection change your daily walk with Christ?