Those Old Testament temple sacrifices represented Christ’s death for our sins. The work of the priests depicted Christ’s ministry as High Priest.

How does the work of the priest in the Hebrew sanctuary compare to what Jesus is now doing as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary?

“For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, NOW TO APPEAR FOR US IN GOD’S PRESENCE. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages TO DO AWAY WITH SIN BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF.”
—Hebrews 9:24, 26.

It’s almost too much to comprehend: Jesus offered “Himself” as “the sacrifice” on Calvary’s cross. He offered Himself because nothing less would do.

What is Jesus’ day-by-day work in the heavenly temple?

“Therefore he is able to save completely [margin: forever] those who come to God through him, because HE ALWAYS LIVES TO INTERCEDE for them.”
—Hebrews 7:25.

Jesus now “lives” to present His blood, His sacrifice, on our behalf. He is now working diligently to save every human being from the tragedy of sin. Some mistakenly assume that, as our Intercessor, Jesus is in heaven begging a reluctant God to forgive us. In fact, it is God who joyfully accepts His Son’s sacrifice on our behalf. The Father and the Son worked together to create this means of reconciliation.