Hebrews 10

We are continuing our study on the book of Hebrews. You can read chapter 10 in your own Bible or click here. This is a long post, so get comfortable and let’s jump in.

Think for a moment about all the rituals and sacrifices these Jewish believers had followed for generations. Then, as they came to believe in Jesus as their Messiah, everything changed. It must have been difficult to transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, understanding that the sacrifices and rituals they had always known were no longer necessary because of what Jesus had accomplished. I can understand how these Hebrew believers might have struggled with this transition. On top of that, they faced criticism and persecution because of their faith in Jesus. As a result, turning back to their old ways might have seemed like the easier path. That’s why the author of Hebrews goes into such great detail explaining why Jesus is superior and why the new covenant is better. These believers needed reassurance and encouragement to stand firm in their faith and not turn away from the One who had fulfilled God’s promises.

Often times Christians view the old covenant in a negative light. The author of Hebrews, though, is careful not to devalue the old system. “Although he draws necessary and sharp distinctions between the covenants, he does not want his readers to despise the old covenant. Rather, he contrasts the two covenants to show how the old one cries out for and finds fulfillment in the new one. The old covenant prepares the way and ultimately reveals our need for the new.” [1]

The law was valuable and helped us to see our need for Jesus. “Without the law, we would not know what sin is or understand our need for the grace and forgiveness of our Savior, Jesus. However, the law only foreshadowed the salvation that Jesus wanted to accomplish within us—it was never meant to be our final goal.” [2]

So the law and the covenant were valuable for a time, but ultimately pointed to Jesus. And in this regard, that is how the author begins chapter 10. In the first 4 verses we are reminded that the law was “but a shadow of the good things to come.”

The sacrifices from the old covenant couldn’t achieve salvation. That’s why the sacrifices had to keep coming. The author also points out that the animal sacrifices actually reminded the people of their sin, which was discouraging. Only the blood of Jesus was powerful enough to forgive all of our sins, once and for all.

While it’s good for us to recognize when we have sinned and make better choices moving forward, we have something even greater in Jesus. When we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We don’t have to continually beat ourselves up over things we’ve done in the past. Instead, we can learn from our mistakes, receive His forgiveness, and move forward in His grace. What a precious gift we have in Jesus!

In verses 5-10 we read:

5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
“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.’”
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.

The author is quoting Psalm 40:6-8 which says,

6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”

These words remind us that God wants our hearts. He wants us to live in obedience, because we love Him. He never appreciated insincere praise, or sacrifices brought just to appease Him.

In verse 9 it says that Jesus “does away with the first in order to establish the second.” The original Greek word for the phrase “does away” can be translated as “kill, slay, put to death.” [3]

If the old system is dead, it is not something the Hebrews can return to. Only the offering of the body of Jesus can save us and sanctify us.

Verses 11-12 remind us that in the old system sacrifices had to keep coming. It was never ending. Just think of the millions of animals that were sacrificed over the years. But Christ “offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins.” Also notice how the author says the high priests of the past had to stand daily, continually working at the job. Yet Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God.” I love that reminder because it truly shows us how Jesus’s sacrifice is complete. His grace is sufficient and nothing needs to be added to it.

Verse 13 says that Jesus is “waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.” The author is quoting Psalm 110:1 which says, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Jesus also quoted this verse in Matthew 22:

41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying,
44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet”’?
45 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” 46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

“Jesus used this verse to demonstrate that he, the Messiah, was both the ‘son of David’ and David’s Lord.” [4]

The usage in Hebrews reminds us that when Jesus returns, “He shall overcome every enemy and establish His righteous kingdom.” [5]

Verse 14 says, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Thanks to Jesus, we have been made righteous. In that sense, we have been perfected. But we are not yet perfect. As long as we walk this earth, the Lord is molding us. “Our salvation is both a completed fact and an ongoing process.” [6]

Verses 15-18 say:

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,
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,”
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.

These words from Jeremiah 31:33–34 might sound familiar, as we read them in chapter 8 as well. The author is reminding his readers that Jesus established the new covenant, and they are now part of that covenant. He also references the Holy Spirit again, reminding them that this has always been part of God’s plan. And once again, he points to the completeness of Jesus’s sacrifice. Our sins have been forgiven through Him, and nothing needs to be added to what He has already accomplished.

Notice verse 19 starts with the word “therefore.”

The author has powerfully demonstrated throughout the book of Hebrews that Jesus is superior to the old covenant and that His sacrifice is sufficient once for all. In American courtrooms—or perhaps more accurately, in the courtrooms we see on television—after an attorney has presented a powerful argument, he might say, “I rest my case.” This has also become a common phrase in every day conversations as well. The point is that the person has thoroughly proven they are right about something and no further discussion is needed. I feel that sentiment fits the message the author has presented. He said all he could say, and no further argument is needed. Jesus is the way to God, and there is no other way.

In the remainder of this chapter and in the coming chapters, the author will encourage the reader to persevere in faith. He starts here by encouraging three ways to walk in their faith.

Draw Near

I imagine the words in verses 19-22 were a revolutionary concept to the audience. For hundreds of years only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place. Anyone else who entered it would die. And even the high priest could only go in once a year. Now the author of Hebrews is telling them they can enter the holy places, thanks to Jesus. We can draw near – boldly and with confidence. We can go right into the presence of God, without any guilt, because Jesus has made us clean. In His presence, we find peace and joy. Our hearts are transformed, our souls are restored, and we are reminded that He delights in us and hears our prayers. Let us boldly draw near to the Presence of God.

Hold Fast

Verse 23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” God’s promises are true and God is faithful. One hundred percent of the time. He never wavers. So we can hold fast to Him, Him promises, and our hope in Him. (Remember hope in the Bible is a certainty or expectancy. It is not wishful thinking, as we often use the word today.)

“God is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and unchanging. Therefore, we can always be confident in our hope because we know he will not abandon us.” [7]

“Our hope for the future is based on the promises of Almighty God. We can hold fast because He has promised to be faithful to us. And because His faithfulness never wavers, our hope can never be extinguished.” [8]

Community Support

Verses 24 and 25 stress the importance of encouraging others and gathering together. These Jewish Christians were in a difficult spot, with pressures to give up their faith. Encouraging each other and meeting together were vital steps for them. And the same is true for us. If we isolate ourselves, this can take a toll on our faith and our mental health. The enemy loves to see us turn from prayer, from reading our Bibles, and from community. Gathering together at a local church helps strengthen our hearts and souls.

Next the author uses some tough words to warn the recipients of this epistle. But they are a good warning for all.

In verses 26-27 the author warns against “sinning deliberately.” The original Greek wording here implies continual sin without repentance. Those who live that way are ultimately rejecting Jesus. And the one who rejects Jesus “is beyond salvation because he has rejected the only sacrifice that can cleanse him from sin and bring him into God’s presence. To turn away from that sacrifice leaves him with no saving alternative.” [9]

In verses 28-29 the author uses the Old Testament to back up his point. If someone rejected the law, he would be put to death. How much worse, then, for someone who rejects Jesus? This breaks my heart to think of those people who reject Jesus. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. But for some, it will be too late.

“I cannot imagine the bitterness of those who realize too late that the Jesus whom they rejected truly is the King of kings and Lord of lords.” [10]

Verses 30-31 say:

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.

The writer quotes Deuteronomy 32:35–36 to emphasize his warnings.

“You have a choice: You can either fall into the hands of the living God, or you can fall into the arms of the loving Savior. You can continue to rebel and turn your back on the Lord’s salvation, or you can accept the free gift that He is holding out to you… His arms are open; He’s inviting you in. Surrender to Him, accept His love and forgiveness, receive His salvation, live for Him.” [11]

In verses 32-36 the author reminds the readers of when they first came to faith. Despite ridicule, they remained faithful. They even had joy in the midst of hardships. He is asking them to persevere in their faith once again. As Christians, we might face persecution for our faith at times. And we will all suffer in different ways. These are things we wouldn’t choose to go through. However, we can stand strong because we know Jesus is with us through all we face. He will help us endure. And those who do not throw away their confidence will have a great eternal reward.

Verses 37-38 say:

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.”

The author is quoting Habakkuk 2:3-4. “Habakkuk speaks of God’s coming judgment on Judah for refusing to do the will of God. The author of Hebrews picks this up typologically to point to the final judgment that is coming at Christ’s return. In other words, Habakkuk speaks of God’s coming, which the author of Hebrews sees fulfilled in the future coming of Christ. His coming is soon, so we must continue to do the will of God and not draw back in our faith.” [12]

The last verse is very encouraging. The author writes, “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” He tells the audience that he believes in them, they will stand strong in their faith, and they will persevere.

Chapter 10 of Hebrews reminds us that the old covenant and the law served an important purpose: they pointed to Jesus and showed us our need for Him. We are also reminded of all that Jesus has accomplished through His once-for-all sacrifice. The chapter then presents us with practical ways to apply these truths to our lives. We are encouraged to draw near to God, hold fast to the confession of our hope, and make Christian fellowship a priority by encouraging one another in our faith. We are also given a serious warning about the consequences of rejecting Jesus. Finally, this chapter encourages us to persevere in our faith, remain confident in God’s promises, and continue trusting Him even when we face difficulties.

Thank you for reading. Have a blessed week.

[1] Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017.

[2] Stanley, Charles F., gen. ed. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. New International Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.

[3] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g337/kjv/tr/0-1/

[4] Stanley, Charles F., gen. ed. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. New International Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.

[5] Wiersbe, Warren. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2007).

[6] Stanley, Charles F., gen. ed. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. New International Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.

[7] Stanley, Charles F., gen. ed. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. New International Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.

[8] Jeremiah, David. Hebrews: The Supremacy of Christ. Jeremiah Bible Study Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2021.

[9] MacArthur, John. Hebrews: Christ: Perfect Sacrifice, Perfect Priest (MacArthur Bible Studies). Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2007.

[10] Tsarfati, Amir. Revealing Revelation. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2022.

[11] Tsarfati, Amir. Revealing Revelation. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2022.

[12] Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017.

Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.