Jesus' sacrifice is eternally complete (10:1–18).
As the writer of Hebrews continues his discussion of the superiority of Jesus Christ to Judaism, he brings up another aspect: the inability of animal sacrifices to deal permanently with sin. The sacrifices had to be offered over and over, every day, week in and week out. They could not cleanse the worshiper once and for all. They offered forgiveness, but another sin demanded another sacrifice because those animals did not have an infinite life (vv. 1–4).
The writer quotes from Psalm 40:6–8, showing that God was not pleased with external sacrifices that were not accompanied by obedience and faith. There was nothing special about the external ritual; rather, they demonstrated faith and obedience to God. Jesus, by coming and obeying his Father completely, "abolished" the need for sacrifices. By his sacrifice we have been sanctified once for all (vv. 5–10).
By contrast, the priest stood every single day, ministering in the temple (there was nowhere for the priest to sit because his work was never complete). He offered the same sacrifices over and over, because they could not permanently remove sins (v. 11). However, Jesus Christ offered himself as the infinite Sacrifice for sin and sat down at God’s right hand, having finished what God sent him to do (v. 12–13). Therefore, the one who exercises saving faith in Jesus Christ can be sanctified once for all with the single sacrifice of Christ— far superior to offering animal sacrifices repeatedly (v. 14).
Recalling his discussion of the New Covenant in chapter eight, the writer of Hebrews points out again the promise of forgiveness of sin found in that covenant (vv. 15–17). His point is that if sins have been forgiven, there is no need of any further sacrifice (v. 18). Therefore, faith in Christ is far superior than reverting to the old Mosaic sacrifices.
Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can come boldly to God (10:19–39).
Having just completed his doctrinal section of the book (faith in Jesus Christ is superior to Mosaic Judaism), the writer begins to apply these truths to those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of coming timidly to God, we can approach him boldly because of the finished work of our Priest, Jesus Christ— something Old Testament believers could never do (vv. 19–22). In addition, the writer encourages his readers to hold fast their faith in Jesus Christ, because he is trustworthy (v. 23). Furthermore, the readers should encourage one another to continue on in faith in Jesus Christ amidst the persecution which surrounded them (vv. 24–25).
Again, the writer warns that apart from Jesus Christ, there is no hope of escaping eternal judgment. God will not spare those who have rejected his Son. He will judge all who have sinned and have not received forgiveness, and that punishment will be fearsome indeed (vv. 26–31).
The readers have certainly endured persecution (vv. 32–33), but they should continue in faith joyfully, because they look forward to eternal rest and reward (vv. 34–36). The writer quotes Habakkuk 2:3–4, encouraging his readers to persevere in their faith in Jesus Christ and not shrink back to their own destruction (vv. 37–39).
As the writer of Hebrews continues his discussion of the superiority of Jesus Christ to Judaism, he brings up another aspect: the inability of animal sacrifices to deal permanently with sin. The sacrifices had to be offered over and over, every day, week in and week out. They could not cleanse the worshiper once and for all. They offered forgiveness, but another sin demanded another sacrifice because those animals did not have an infinite life (vv. 1–4).
The writer quotes from Psalm 40:6–8, showing that God was not pleased with external sacrifices that were not accompanied by obedience and faith. There was nothing special about the external ritual; rather, they demonstrated faith and obedience to God. Jesus, by coming and obeying his Father completely, "abolished" the need for sacrifices. By his sacrifice we have been sanctified once for all (vv. 5–10).
By contrast, the priest stood every single day, ministering in the temple (there was nowhere for the priest to sit because his work was never complete). He offered the same sacrifices over and over, because they could not permanently remove sins (v. 11). However, Jesus Christ offered himself as the infinite Sacrifice for sin and sat down at God’s right hand, having finished what God sent him to do (v. 12–13). Therefore, the one who exercises saving faith in Jesus Christ can be sanctified once for all with the single sacrifice of Christ— far superior to offering animal sacrifices repeatedly (v. 14).
Recalling his discussion of the New Covenant in chapter eight, the writer of Hebrews points out again the promise of forgiveness of sin found in that covenant (vv. 15–17). His point is that if sins have been forgiven, there is no need of any further sacrifice (v. 18). Therefore, faith in Christ is far superior than reverting to the old Mosaic sacrifices.
Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can come boldly to God (10:19–39).
Having just completed his doctrinal section of the book (faith in Jesus Christ is superior to Mosaic Judaism), the writer begins to apply these truths to those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of coming timidly to God, we can approach him boldly because of the finished work of our Priest, Jesus Christ— something Old Testament believers could never do (vv. 19–22). In addition, the writer encourages his readers to hold fast their faith in Jesus Christ, because he is trustworthy (v. 23). Furthermore, the readers should encourage one another to continue on in faith in Jesus Christ amidst the persecution which surrounded them (vv. 24–25).
Again, the writer warns that apart from Jesus Christ, there is no hope of escaping eternal judgment. God will not spare those who have rejected his Son. He will judge all who have sinned and have not received forgiveness, and that punishment will be fearsome indeed (vv. 26–31).
The readers have certainly endured persecution (vv. 32–33), but they should continue in faith joyfully, because they look forward to eternal rest and reward (vv. 34–36). The writer quotes Habakkuk 2:3–4, encouraging his readers to persevere in their faith in Jesus Christ and not shrink back to their own destruction (vv. 37–39).
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