Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.
Background to Chapter 10
In the first eighteen verses of this chapter chapter the writer continues with the theme of the supremacy of the new covenant in Christ Jesus over the old covenant of the Law of Moses!
From verse nineteen onwards he changes tack slightly in emphasing the need for us to have faith in Christ Jesus alone for in Him our faith is assured!
Christ's Sacrifice Once for All
1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
In verse 1 we are told that thr law was but a mere "shadow" of the ggodness that was to come in Christ Jesus. The law could never make anyone perfect bu Jesus can as He was and is without sin - He is our perfect High Priest!
The Apostle Paul says a similar thing in Colossians 3, says that the things of the law are shadows of the things to come but the substance is in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV)
16 Therefore let no one judge you in regard to food and drink or in regard to [the observance of] a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. 17 Such things are only a shadow of what is to come and they have only symbolic value; but the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to Christ.
Here Paul also states that the things of the Old Covenant (The Law) were only a shadow of what was to come - Jesus! The reality or substance of what was to come belongs to Jesus our perfect High Priest and Saviour!
2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
In verses 2-4 the writer reiterates that it was impossible for animal sacrifices to atone for man's sin and that they were just a reminder to the people that they are sinners. If it wasn't for the Law, nobody would have been aware of their sins or even to know what sin was!
The Apostle Paul explains this in Romans 7!
Romans 7:7 (ESV)
What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body have you prepared for me;
6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”
In verses 5-7 the writer is quoting from Psalm 40:6-8 which was written by King David as a song of praise and worship to God for His saving grace in delivering Him from his enemies. But not only this, it is prophetically laying the foundation of the coming of Jesus to save mankind from sin forever, something that the sacrificing of animals could not do. It is only the blood of Jesus that can save man forever!
8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
In verses 8-10 the writer further expands on the prophetic voice of Psalm 40 and the promise of the new covenant in Christ Jesus. It was always God's plan to replace the old covenant animal sacrifices for sin which were only temporary and could not eliminate man's sin, with the new covenant of the sacrifice of Jesus His son whose blood takes away the sin of man forever!
11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
In verses 11-14 the writer contrasts the difference between the the human high priests of the day and Jesus our High Priest forever today. The human high priests had to toil daily and repeatedly offer sacrifices but Christ's sacrifice of Himself was once and for all!. He was able then to sit down at rest at the right hand of the Father, his work was finished as He had said when He spoke His final words, "It is finished!", on the cross.
John 19:30 (AMP)
When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and [voluntarily] gave up His spirit.
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
and write them on their minds,”
In verse 15 the writer tells us that the Holy Spirit witnesses to us of the New Covenant in Christ Jesus and quotes from Jeremiah 31 in verse 16 above.
And in Jeremiah 31:33 the prophet says that this is the New Covenant that is about to come. Prophetically declaring the coming of Jesus as the Saviour of mankind!
Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV)
33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Simply because Jeremiah's prophecy was written under the power of the Holy Spirit!
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESVV
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:21 (ESV)
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
17 then he adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
In verse 17 the writer continues quoting from Jeremiah 31:34, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
In Christ Jesus our debt of sin to God is fully paid by the blood of Jesus! In God's eyes, because Jesus died for our sin, we are spotless and worthy to receive eternal life!
And in verse 18 because our sin in the New Covenant is covered by the blood of Jesus, there is no longer any need for sin offerings to be made as Jesus completed the work of man's redemption on the Cross once and for all!
The Full Assurance of Faith (verses 19-38)
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
In verses 19-20 the writer explains that because Jesus died for us and shed His blood to cover our sins, the perfect sacrifice once and for all, we have boldness.
This is a statement of fact because of what Jesus did for us, "We have boldness." Boldness is ours to enter the Holy of Holies, to reach the Father and have relationship with Him! Jesus is our "new and living way" to the Father!
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
In verse 21 because Jesus is our Great High Priest forever! The writer encourages us to draw nearer to God to build a personal relationship through three "let us" statements in verses 22-24!
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
1, Let us draw near with a true and sincere heart that is full of faith in Christ Jesus!
The blood of Jesus washes us clean of sin and condemnation! We are pure and righteous in the eyes of God because of Jesus!
2. Let us hold fast (seize and hold tightly with both hands) our confession of hope in Christ Jesus without wavering for God is always Faithfull even when we are not!
3. Let us stir one another up and encourage each other to love and good works! It is our duty as brothers and sister in Christ to build each other up in our faith and good works to glorify Jesus. We are not saved by doing good works we are saved by the name of Jesus alone to do good works, to glorify His Name alone!
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
After encouraging us to draw closer to God and to build each other up in love and good works in Christ Jesus, in verse 25 the writer instructs us not to neglect meeting together as the body of Christ, for how can we encourage and build each other up if we don't meet with each other and we haven't built a personal relationship with Jesus?
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
If a Christian turns their back of Jesus and returns to their former sinful way of life and remains unrepentant, then there is no further sacrifice that can be made for them that will cleanse them! They will face the wrath of God's judgement and will be consigned to hell!
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
In verse 21 because Jesus is our Great High Priest forever! The writer encourages us to draw nearer to God to build a personal relationship through three "let us" statements in verses 22-24!
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
1, Let us draw near with a true and sincere heart that is full of faith in Christ Jesus!
James 4:8 (AMP)
Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].
Romans 8:1 (AMP)
Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].
2. Let us hold fast (seize and hold tightly with both hands) our confession of hope in Christ Jesus without wavering for God is always Faithfull even when we are not!
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)
if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
After encouraging us to draw closer to God and to build each other up in love and good works in Christ Jesus, in verse 25 the writer instructs us not to neglect meeting together as the body of Christ, for how can we encourage and build each other up if we don't meet with each other and we haven't built a personal relationship with Jesus?
The danger of turning your back on Jesus once you have been born again!
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
If a Christian turns their back of Jesus and returns to their former sinful way of life and remains unrepentant, then there is no further sacrifice that can be made for them that will cleanse them! They will face the wrath of God's judgement and will be consigned to hell!
The Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 when he had realized that he had sinned in turning his back on his father and his father's household, returned to him with a humble, contrite and repentant heart! Remember he was a son in his father's house but turned his back on everything it meant.
We are son's and daughters in the Father's house, don't turn your back on what Jesus did for you and return to your wicked ways with an unrepentant heart!
Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
We have to remain in Jesus we cannot deny Him and turn our backs on Him and remain unrepentant without facing God's judgement.
John 15:5-6 (AMP)
5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies; and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
In verses 28-31 the writer draws a comparison of transgression punishment between the law of Moses and New Covenant in the blood of Christ Jesus. Anyone who set aside the law of Moses died without mercy being shown, on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
In comparison with the New Covenant in Christ Jesus. in verses 29-31 we are told that turning your back on Jesus and returning to our old sinful lives is considered to be trampling Jesus underfoot and profaning the blood that He shed to save us and sanctify Himself and us as well!
This treatment of the blood of Jesus is also considered to be "outrageous" by the Spirit of grace! God will bring His fearful Judgement on such people!
Keep the faith especially in times of trials and tribulations!
32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.
The Jews to whom the writer was addressing, had suffered much persecution after leaving the Law and becoming born again (when you were enlightened) by the religious Jewish leaders of the time and also from the local Roman authorities.
They had suffered many public reproaches and afflictions and some of them were now so discouraged that they were thinking of going back to Judaism!
34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
In verses 34-39 the writer encourages them, and us today, to remain steadfast in the faith and to never give up. They had done well to remain joyful and faithful even though some had been imprisoned and their homes had been plundered.
Galatians 6:9 (AMP)
Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.
We have one who remains faithful and gives us joy and strength in times of adversity. In Christ Jesus we are overcomers. Our confidence is in Him alone and He remains faithful. In this world we can expect troubles but if we remain steadfast and faithful, we will reap our just reward of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Jesus the world is overcome!
John 16:33 (AMP)
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
In verse 39 of our text we are warned not to shrink back as this is not pleasing to God!
If we remain steadfast and faithful in Jesus and not not shrink back into our former, sinful and unrepentant lives, we will preserve our souls for salvation!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father
I thank you for my salvation in Christ Jesus and for the blood that He shed for me on the cross so that I may receive forgiveness of my sins and eternal life. Help me, Lord, to remain steadfast and faithful in you and give me your strength to overcome any worldly adversity that the enemy will throw at me. Amen
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus, the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!
No comments:
Post a Comment