“According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation” (Hebrews 9:9–10 ESV).
What is this “time of reformation” that the author of Hebrews describes? It refers to the coming of Jesus Christ and the inauguration of the New Covenant through His perfect sacrifice and heavenly priestly ministry. It marks the transition from the temporary regulations of the Old Covenant to the permanent redemption accomplished by Christ.
The Greek word translated “reformation” is diorthōsis, meaning correction, restoration, or setting things right. Appearing only here in the New Testament, it describes putting something into its proper order. This is not a reference to the Protestant Reformation, nor merely to moral improvement. It describes the decisive work of Christ in setting right our relationship with God.
Yet we must not misunderstand. The Old Covenant sacrificial system was not God’s failed attempt at redemption. It was His divinely appointed preparation for the Redeemer. As Hebrews 10:1 explains, the law was a shadow of the good things to come. Its sacrifices could provide ceremonial cleansing, but they could never perfect the worshiper’s conscience or permanently remove sin.
But what the old sacrifices could only anticipate, Jesus accomplished! Through His once-for-all sacrifice, He obtained eternal redemption and purified our consciences to serve the living God (Heb. 9:12–14).
The time of reformation was not God correcting a mistake. It was God fulfilling His eternal redemptive plan. Christ did not merely reform the rituals of worship. He accomplished the redemption those rituals foreshadowed.
Through faith in Christ, we no longer depend on religious rituals and sacrifices to approach God, but on our risen Savior, who has opened the way into God’s presence forever!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for fulfilling Your perfect plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. We praise You that His sacrifice has accomplished what the old sacrifices could never do. Cleanse our consciences, strengthen our faith, and help us draw near to You with grateful hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.