have had consciousness of sins?” But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year (Heb. 10:2–3). If the sacrifices had really done their job in removing sin, the people wouldn’t have been burdened by its guilt. Their consciences were never cleansed as in Christ (see 9:9, 14). If at any time the sacrificial system actually removed their guilt and brought them into fellowship with God, it would have ceased to be necessary because it would have accomplished its perfect end. But it never