The Book of
Hebrews 10
39 verses≈ 6 minBSB
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Where we are
- 1–2The SonGod's final word, above the angels
- 3–4:13Enter His restGreater than Moses; today, hear Him
- 4:14–7Our high priestTempted like us, a priest forever
- 8–10:18A new covenantOne sacrifice, once for allChapter 10
- 10:19–13Run by faithHold on; fix your eyes on Jesus
Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice
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Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said:
“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
but a body You prepared for Me.
In burnt offerings and sin offerings
You took no delight.
Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll:
I have come to do Your will, O God.’”
Hebrews 10:7
In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law). Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second.
And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:10
Question
Quick question
The old sacrifices were offered year after year. The writer explains why they could never be the last word.
According to verse 4, what can the blood of bulls and goats never do?
Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.
Two priests
Whiteboard
The writer sets two pictures side by side. In the tabernacle “every priest stands to minister,” day after day, offering “the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.” Their work was never done. But “this Priest” offered “one sacrifice for sins,” and then “He sat down at the right hand of God,” because His work was finished. Psalm 110 said He would sit there until His enemies became His footstool, and His single offering “has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.”
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:
“This is the covenant I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord.
I will put My laws in their hearts
and inscribe them on their minds.”
Then He adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”
Hebrews 10:17
And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer needed.
A Call to Persevere
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Reflect
Spur one another on
The writer says “let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Who in your church family could use some encouragement this week? Write down one name and one simple way to encourage them, and do it before the week is out.
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For,
“In just a little while,
He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But My righteous one will live by faith;
and if he shrinks back,
I will take no pleasure in him.”
0:20
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:39
Pray
Hold on
Thank God that “He who promised is faithful.” Bring Him anything that tempts you to “throw away your confidence,” and ask Him for the endurance you need. Pray for anyone you know who is drifting. Then thank Him that by His grace you are one “of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”
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Hebrews 10
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A verse to carry with you
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
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