Hebrews 9:9-10 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
The sacrificial system under the old covenant could not resolve the problem of sin. The author uses the word “conscience” to describe the inner sense of guilt and shame that comes to the sincere worshiper. There is always a sense of inadequacy when coming before the Holy God. The outward acts of these sacrifices do not take care of the inner problem of sin. They are only symbols. What truly brings change is God’s grace and mercy experienced by those who have a contrite and repentant heart. Hosea 6:6 says, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” A “new order” has come which was begun by Jesus who inaugurated a new covenant by his blood. That means that the old sacrificial system is no longer needed. It is interesting historically to note that after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans in A.D. 70, the Jews no longer offered sacrifices because there was no temple to do this at. There is speculation about when Hebrews was written, either before the destruction or after. Whether or not sacrifices were still being offered in Jerusalem at the time of Hebrews was written does not impact the meaning of this passage. There was no need for sacrifices after Jesus came. He was the last and perfect sacrifice. He fulfilled the Old Testament law and the covenant that went with it. We live now with a better promise.
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