9:14 how much more. As in 2:2, 3, the writer uses an argument from the lesser to the greater. The lesser is the blood of animals offered by the high priest on earth; the greater is the blood shed by Christ. The lesser had ceremonial power; the greater can take away guilt from the conscience.

without blemish. A sacrifice must be without defect in order to be an atoning substitute for sinners (Num. 6:14; 1 Pet. 1:19).

dead works. Not works of the law that are useless for justification (Gal. 3:1–14), but sinful deeds that deserve the covenant curse of death (6:1). See “Conscience and the Law” at 1 Sam. 24:5.

to serve the living God. The goal of forgiveness is ultimately God-centered—not merely to free us from the fear of judgment, but to qualify us to worship before God in a way that brings Him pleasure (12:28; 13:15, 16, 21).