
Hebrews 10
Hebrews 10 provides a deep theological explanation of Christ's sacrifice compared to the Old Covenant sacrifices, emphasizing its sufficiency to cleanse believers from sin permanently. This chapter also encourages living out faith through perseverance, mutual encouragement, and righteous conduct in response to the assurance of salvation in Christ.
Hebrews 10:1-7 (NKJV)
1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.’”
The opening verses emphasizes that the Old Testament sacrificial system, with its repeated offerings and rituals, was a shadow pointing to the greater reality of Christ’s sacrifice. The law’s sacrifices could not fully cleanse or perfect worshipers because they were only symbolic, serving as a reminder of sin. True forgiveness and reconciliation required the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, who fulfilled God's will as prophesied in Scripture. Verses 5-7, quoting Psalm 40:6-8, highlight Christ’s willingness to take on humanity and offer Himself as the ultimate atonement, stating, "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me." This emphasizes that the old sacrificial system was insufficient and points to the necessity of faith in Christ’s finished work. His self-sacrifice reveals God’s plan to bring salvation through Christ’s perfect life and death.
Hebrews 10:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law),
9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
These verses continue to emphasize the contrast between the old sacrificial system and Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus’ declaration of coming to do God's will refers to establishing a new covenant through His death, thus removing the old covenant and its practices. Through this act, believers are sanctified once and for all, showcasing the permanence and effectiveness of His sacrifice over the repetitive and ineffective old offerings.
Hebrews 10:11-14 (NKJV)
11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
These verses emphasizes the sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice compared to the repeated offerings of the earthly priests. Through His one offering, Jesus has “perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” The word "perfected" signifies the complete reconciliation of believers with God, removing the guilt of sin and granting them full acceptance in His presence. This perfection is not merely positional righteousness but also includes being given a perfect nature through the Spirit of Jesus when they believe. This perfect nature, characterized by a renewed heart and mind aligned with God’s will, is distinct from a perfect character, which develops progressively through the process of sanctification. While the believer’s nature is transformed at conversion, their character is shaped over time as the Holy Spirit works to align their thoughts, actions, and desires with the likeness of Christ. This highlights the comprehensive work of salvation—immediate transformation in their relationship with God and ongoing transformation in their daily lives.
Hebrews 10:15-18 (NKJV)
15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,”
17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
The Holy Spirit confirms the new covenant and the effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice, quoting Jeremiah 31:33-34 to highlight God's promise of internal transformation and absolute forgiveness. The absence of memory of sins by God underlines the complete forgiveness available. Thus, no further sacrifices are necessary, closing the chapter on the old system of atonement and opening eternal and full redemption.
Hebrews 10:19-21 (NKJV)
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,
These verses highlights the confidence believers have to enter the presence of God through the blood of Jesus. It describes the "new and living way" that Christ opened for us through the veil, which is identified as His flesh. This signifies that Jesus' sacrificial death removed the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God, just as the veil in the earthly sanctuary separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. When Jesus died, the tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:51) vividly demonstrated that this separation was removed, symbolizing direct access to God for all believers. Through His death, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant, granting believers this privilege. Additionally, as our "great High Priest" over the house of God, Jesus intercedes for us and ensures that our access is secure. This passage calls believers to approach God with boldness, faith, and full assurance, recognizing that Christ’s sacrifice and priestly ministry have made reconciliation and intimate fellowship with God possible.
Hebrews 10:22-25 (NKJV)
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled 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 one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
These verses encourage believers to maintain their faith and communal relationships actively. The call to draw near with a true heart underscores the need for sincere faith and purity, reflective of inner spiritual transformation. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in hope and to motivate each other towards love and good deeds. The emphasis on communal gatherings and mutual encouragement reflects the importance of the Christian community in maintaining faith, especially as the anticipated Day of the Lord draws near.
Hebrews 10:26-31 (NKJV)
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
This passage delivers a solemn warning about the consequences of willfully continuing in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth. The sin in view here is not just any sin but a deliberate, persistent rejection of Christ as the only means of salvation. It involves knowingly turning away from the gospel, refusing to rely on Christ’s sacrifice, and instead seeking salvation through other means—whether through the old system of animal sacrifices, personal works, or anything apart from Christ. It also includes rejecting Christ’s lordship, as willful sin demonstrates a refusal to submit to His authority and live in obedience to Him. Such a rejection is seen as trampling the Son of God underfoot, treating His blood as common, and insulting the Spirit of grace. This willful defiance leaves no room for further atonement, as the person has rejected the only sacrifice that can save. The passage vividly describes the terrifying consequences of such rebellion, with the fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation. It concludes with the sobering reminder that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God," urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to trust wholly in Christ’s perfect and sufficient sacrifice for salvation.
Hebrews 10:32-39 (NKJV)
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings,
33 partly, while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
The closing verses of the chapter call believers to remember their early experiences in the faith, enduring persecution and supporting each other in trials. This recollection serves to reinforce their current faith, urging them not to lose confidence, as it leads to great reward. They are reminded of the necessity for endurance to receive God’s promises, citing Habakkuk 2:3-4 to emphasize faith's role in sustaining them. The chapter concludes with an encouragement that contrasts the fate of those who shrink back with those who persist in faith, assuring salvation for the latter.