The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Verse 4 underlines the imperfection of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Here is the author of Hebrews’ verdict on it:

”It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins”

Those sacrifices were required. They had to be offered. They were prescribed. But they were ”only a shadow of the good things that are coming…” Jesus is the substance however. As we are going to see as we work through this chapter, Jesus can and does bring in perfection for those who put their trust in Him.