¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the mediator^(A) of a new covenant,^(B) that those who are called^(C) may receive the promised^(D) eternal inheritance^(E)—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.^(F)

¹⁶ In the case of a will,^[a] it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, ¹⁷ because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. ¹⁸ This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.^{(G) 19} When Moses had proclaimed^(H) every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves,^(I) together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.^{(J) 20} He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”^{[b](K) 21} In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. ²² In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood,^(L) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.^(M)