Hebrews 9:6-7
These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.

God’s laws concerning the temple, and especially the innermost section known as the Holy of Holies, were very specific. They were given to the people of Israel as a foreshadowing of what God would one day do through Christ.

A priest would never dare to go inside the first section of the temple (the Holy Place) without first preparing themselves. God’s Word is clear on the garments they were to wear, the manner in which they were to ceremonially cleanse themselves, and the pattern to follow for offering the sacrifices.

Of even greater importance was the preparation of the High Priest, who once a year would enter into the Most Holy Place, the inner section of the temple where the ark of the covenant sat and the Shekinah glory of God dwelt. The High Priest would never enter without a sacrifice of blood from an animal that he would sprinkle on the lid of the ark, known as the mercy seat. This he would do on the Day of Atonement.

Why must an innocent animal be sacrificed? Precisely because they are innocent. The animal has done no wrong, yet dies in the place of the sinner who offers it. This is an example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who knew no sin yet offered himself freely for us. Jesus died as a sacrifice although he “knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [2 Corinthians 5:21]

And think about the meaning of the temple itself. Even though the Messiah was yet to come, God was showing His people that He had a plan in motion for their redemption. He gave Moses the instructions for the tabernacle so that His people might have a way to worship Him. Even while we were in open rebellion against God, He provided a way to know Him, come to Him, and to worship Him. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [Romans 5:8]