Hebrews 9:7-9 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience
‘Once every year’ – On the great day of atonement (Lev. 16:14; 23:27). This going only once a year into the holy of holies testified that the way into the holiest of heaven had not been made (9:8). Now it has been made by the death of Christ (10:19-23).
‘Figure’ [Greek: parabole] is translated as “figure,” but in the gospels it is always translated “parable,” except in Mark 4:30 and Luke 4:22. A shadow of the realities in Christ (8:5; 10:1). A program of types for the time then present – the dispensation of law in which both gifts sacrifices were offered, none of which could make men perfect as to the conscience (9:9; 10:1-18).
‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] is the joint knowledge of God and man; knowledge of our acts, state, or character as to right and wrong; the faculty, power, or principle which decides the lawfulness of our actions and affections, and approves or condemns them; the moral faculty or sense; consciousness of actions; the eye, judge, and guide of the inner man. Used 32 times. The word “conscience” is not found in the Old Testament. There are twelve kinds of conscience: Awakened (John 8:9); Seared (1Tim. 4:2); Purged (Heb. 9:9, 14; 10:2); Pure (Acts 24:16; 1Tim. 3:9; 2Tim. 1:3); Weak (1Cor. 8:7, 12, 13); Defiled (Tit. 1:15); Witnessing (Rom. 2:12-15; 9:1; 2Cor. 1:12); Good (Acts 23:1; 1Tim. 1:5, 19; 1Pet. 2:19; 3:16, 21; Heb. 13:18); Convicting or healthy (Matt. 27:3); Satisfied (1Cor. 10:25-29); Evil (Heb. 10:22); Perfect (Heb. 9:9).
Living the Word 