Hebrews 9:3-12

³The part of the tent behind the second curtain is called the inner sanctuary.

⁴In it is the gold incense-altar, and the ark containing the covenant, completely covered with gold. In the ark is a gold casket containing the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets on which the covenant was written;

⁵while above it, and overshadowing the cover on which atonement was made, are the cherubim of the presence. Now is not the time to discuss these things in detail.

⁶Such, then, was the arrangement of the tent. Into the outer part priests are constantly going, in the discharge of their sacred duties;

⁷but into the inner only the high priest goes, and that but once a year, and never without taking the blood of a victim, which he offers on his own behalf, and on behalf of the errors of the people.

⁸By this the Holy Spirit is teaching that the way into the sanctuary was hidden, as long as the outer part of the tent still remained.

⁹For that was only a type, to continue down to the present time; and, in keeping with it, both gifts and sacrifices are offered, though incapable of satisfying the conscience of the worshiper;

¹⁰the whole system being concerned only with food and drink and various ablutions — external ceremonials imposed until the coming of the new order.

¹¹But, when Christ came, he appeared as high priest of that better system which was established; and he entered through that nobler and more perfect tent, not made by human hands — that is to say, not a part of this present creation.

¹²Nor was it with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, that he entered, once and for all, into the sanctuary, and obtained our eternal deliverance.