One Year Journey Through the New Testament
Hebrews 10
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
Animal Sacrifices Insufficient
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.
(Hebrews 10:1–4, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- This letter continues by again identifying the Jewish sacrificial system as a shadow and image of the true system that would come.
- He said that if the old system was sufficient, then the high priest would have ceased to offer sacrifices. However, he still had to offer sacrifices for them people year after year.
- The blood of bulls and goats could not completely take away sins.
Christ’s Death Fulfills God’s Will
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.’ ”
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.
(Hebrews 10:5–10, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- However, Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the call for a body to make that once-for-all sacrifice. Jesus came in human form to die for our sins, according to the will of God, establishing the new covenant.
Christ’s Death Perfects the Sanctified
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.
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.
(Hebrews 10:11–18, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- The human priests constantly offer sacrifices, but Jesus went once forever, and sat down at God’s right hand, and awaits the time when He will see His enemies be made His footstool.
- Just as the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets, God will put His law in our hearts and minds. They will not be remembered any more, and the payment has been made. No more offering is required. Jesus paid it all!
Hold Fast Your Confession
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, 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.
(Hebrews 10:19–25, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- With this new covenant, we have the ability to enter the presence of God in faith.
- Jesus bought this privilege for us with His blood. We have been made clean through this faith.
- With this in mind, we must hold strongly to our confession of hope and never doubt. God is faithful. Stir one another up to good works and faith. We need to help one another. Go to church, be in fellowship with believers, and live the life of Christ.
- Jesus is coming soon, so let’s not stray. Exhort one another to be holy and do good works, for the day is close.
The Just Shall Live by Faith
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.
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.
(Hebrews 10:26–39, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Do not trample the blood of Christ under your feet. Do not deny Christ. You cannot easily come back if you push Him far away.
- The just will live if they have faith and do not doubt. Do not grow weak or weary. Jesus is coming soon!
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 