Bible Commentaries
Hebrews 10

Verses 1-18

Christ’s Sacrifice was Once for All Hebrews 9:23 to Hebrews 10:18 explains how the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was once for all.

Hebrews 9:23 Comments The Tabernacle of Moses was built after the pattern of things in Heaven. It was necessary that they be sanctified by the sprinkling of blood, as described in Hebrews 9:18-22. The blood sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is the “better sacrifice” that was necessary in Heaven itself.

Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die” - Comments - It does not say that each individual man must die, but of mankind in general. It seems that some men did not die, such as Enoch, Elijah and those in the coming rapture. They did not experience mortal death. In the rapture, we will be changed in the twinkling of the eye.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:28 “and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time” - Comments The phrase “and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time” tells us that Jesus Christ is coming back for a particular group of believers, which are those who are looking for and ready for His Second Coming. The Parable of the Ten Virgins tells us that some believers will not be ready for His Coming, and will be left behind, while other will be ready and will meet Jesus Christ in the air (Matthew 25:1-13).

“without sin unto salvation” - Comments The phrase “without sin unto salvation” refers to Jesus Christ and means that He is our Great Priest who is without sin, unlike the Levites who must make atonement for themselves as well as the sins of the people. He is not coming a second time for the purpose of bearing the sins of mankind; but rather, He now comes to bring us into the completion of our salvation.

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 10:1 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come” Comments - The Law foreshadows the coming events of Christ and the good news of the Gospel. The phrase “of good things to come” also refers to future of the Church as well as the present church age. The Law foreshadows events in our future.

For example, in the ministry of the temple and the worship of God, the procedures of offering the burnt offerings were a way we offer ourselves to God. It represented a way that we have to deal with sin through the shedding of blood. The shewbread represent the words of our Lord Jesus. His Word is our bread of life. It is to be taken and eaten, or hid in our hearts. The mercy seat is a figure of how we enter into God’s presence. The Mosaic laws of daily conduct should be fulfilled through loving our neighbors.

For example, the prophet Zechariah predicts a time in the future when Israel and the Church will keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16-19).

Zechariah 14:16-19, “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.”

Hebrews 10:1 “and not the very image of the things” Comments - The law and its ministry were not the exact way things were to be done. The Law was a figure, or a foreshadowing of future events.

Hebrews 10:1 “can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” - Comments Under the Mosaic Law, there were morning and evening sacrifices, constant trespass, sin, burnt, thanksgiving offerings, festival offering and numerous other ministries. These took place “year by year continually.” The repetition of these sacrifices testifies to their ineffectiveness to deal with man’s sinful nature.

Hebrews 10:1 implies that through Jesus’ perfection and sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 7:28) we are made perfect, which the author states in Hebrews 10:14, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” The word “perfect” describes the condition of man’s spirit when he is born again. Hebrews 12:23 says “and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” Colossians 2:10 says, “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

Hebrews 12:23, “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”

We are also becoming mature in the sense that we are developing in the ways of God. That is, our minds and bodies are becoming conformed to the image of Christ day by day. Ephesians 4:11-13 says that we are, “coming…into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” That is, we become Christ-like, more like Jesus. This is what God intended us to be in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, Hebrews 6:1 says, “let us go on to perfection.” However, Hebrews 10:1 is placing emphasis upon the completed work of Calvary, so that it states our spirits are now complete in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 10:1 Comments - The Law could not make anyone perfect, because no one was able to fulfill it (Romans 8:3), until Jesus Christ came and fulfilled the Law (Galatians 3:19). The Law simply revealed man’s depravity (Romans 3:20; Romans 5:20; Romans 7:5; Romans 7:7; Romans 7:9). The blood of sacrificial animals was insufficient to cleanse our sins and conscience (Hebrews 10:4)

1. Hebrews 10:4, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins .”

2. The passions of sin, which are revealed by the law, worked in our members bringing death (see Romans 7:5; Romans 7:7):

Romans 7:9, “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died .”

3. Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin .”

4. Romans 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound . But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

5. Romans 7:7, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”

6. Romans 8:3, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh , God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”

7. Galatians 3:19, “ Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions , till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”

Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

Hebrews 10:2 Comments - The author of Hebrews, a born-again Christian, was an example of a believer who had no more conscience of sin, for in Christ he has a pure conscience (Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 13:18). However, the Jews under the Law were not able to achieve a clear conscience, for the Law brought them into a life of condemnation and guilt as it exposed every sin (Hebrews 9:9). Had the Jew been cleansed with a clean conscience, he could have stopped offering sacrifices because there would have been no more sin for which to atone.

Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God ?”

Hebrews 10:22, “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.”

Hebrews 13:18, “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience , in all things willing to live honestly.”

Hebrews 9:9, “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience ;”

Hebrews 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

Hebrews 10:3 Comments - Under the old covenant, a cleansing of the conscience is not made, but the opposite is made in the daily sacrifices. These sacrifices are a reminder of their sinful nature, binding them to a life of condemnation.

Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Hebrews 10:4 Comments - The Mosaic Law only made atonement, or a covering over, for sins. It did not do away with sins. The blood of the animal sacrifices simply covered over the sins of men, hiding them from God until the offering of the blood of Jesus Christ, which made a perfect atonement for the sins of mankind (Romans 3:25).

Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”

Hebrews 10:5-7 Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament The author of Hebrews quotes two passages from the Old Testament within this chapter which give scriptural support for the fact that the Mosaic Law under the old covenant has been done away with and a new covenant has been established through Christ Jesus This first quote is taken from Psalms 40:6-8.

Psalms 40:6-8, “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”

The author will soon quote Jeremiah 31:33-34 in Hebrews 10:16-17 as a second witness to this great revelation of a new covenant.

Jeremiah 31:33-34, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

Hebrews 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Hebrews 10:7 “in the volume of the book it is written of me” - Word Study on “volume” Strong says the Greek word “volume” ( κεφαλίς ) (G2777) means, “roll.”

Comments The phrase “in the volume of the book” means, “in the roll of the book,” meaning the entire scroll. Note

Ezekiel 2:9, “And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;”

Hebrews 10:7 Comments Jesus Christ became familiar with the biblical prophecies concerning His life, passion, resurrection and exaltation, as He testifies in Luke 24:44. Jesus made many references to the Old Testament concerning His life while teaching His disciples.

Hebrews 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Hebrews 10:9 Comments - The author of Hebrews quotes an Old Testament passage that gives scripture evidence that the Mosaic Law has been done away with and a new covenant has been established with God’s people. This is a pretty big statement to make to Jew, using their Sacred Writings to prove that their Law has been abolished. Yet, this is exactly what the author is saying.

Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:10 “By the which will” - Comments - The NASB says, “By this will.” By whose will? By God’s will. Verse 9 says, “I come to do thy will O God,” which was the offering of the body of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus prayed in the garden, “not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) By the Father’s will, we are sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:42, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

“we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ” Comments - Because we are sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are now called “saints” in the Pauline epistles.

“once for all” Comments - A comment that Jesus made at the Last Supper refers to this great truth that His blood cleanses us once for all. He told the disciples that they did not need to wash all over except their feet only (John 13:10). This means that His blood would do away with all of their past sins and their newly committed sins could be dealt with by confessing them (1 John 1:9). His blood purges our guilty consciences from dead works and frees us to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:13-14).

John 13:10, “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet , but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Hebrews 9:13-14, “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Hebrews 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Hebrews 10:12-13 Comments Jesus’ Enemies are Made His Footstool - The opening passage of the epistle of Hebrews makes a reference to God’s enemies being made His footstool (Hebrews 1:13).

Hebrews 1:13, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?”

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14 Comments Hebrews 10:14 says that we have been “perfected” ( τελειόω ) (G5048) by the one-time offer of the blood of Jesus Christ. According to Hebrews 12:23, this perfection is referring to the born-again spirit of man, which reads, “and to the spirits of just men made perfect.” We know that our minds and bodies are in the process of becoming sanctified, but our spirit-man is already perfect in its sanctification. Because of our new birth, which creates in us a perfected spirit, 2 Peter 1:3 can say that God has given to us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” through His divine power. In other words, God is now at work in our spirit-man to bring our entire man, spirit, soul and body, to perfection.

Hebrews 12:23, “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”

2 Peter 1:3, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

There are other verses that discuss the perfection and sanctification of the believer. He is a new creation, which refers to the rebirth of the spirit of man (2 Corinthians 5:17). He is a new man, because the old man died, that is to say, the spirit of man was born again and the old spirit died (Ephesians 5:17). For this reason, we can stand on earth and be as Jesus is in regards to our inner man. [240]

[240] Andrew Wommack, “Momentary Redemption,” in “Hebrew Highlights,” [on-line]: accessed 4 June 2011; available from http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1061; Internet.

2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

1 John 4:17, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”

Hebrews 10:15-17 Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament The author of Hebrews now provides a second witness from the Old Testament regarding the prediction of a new covenant and a doing away with the old in Hebrews 10:15-17. The author interprets this passage out of Jeremiah 31:33-34 in order to bring out the main point of this passage of Scripture, which is that the one-time sacrifice of Jesus for our sins is to make us perfect. Thus, the verse following this passage (Hebrews 10:18) says, “no more offering for sin.”

Jeremiah 31:33-34, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more .”

Hebrews 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Hebrews 10:16 Comments - Hebrews 10:16 makes a reference to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Hebrews 10:17 Comments God will remember none of our sins, those we committed before we were saved, and those we commit afterwards.

Hebrews 10:17 Scripture References - Note similar verses:

Psalms 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

Jeremiah 31:34, “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Jeremiah 50:20, “In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.”

Micah 7:18, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.”

Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Hebrews 10:18 Comments Hebrews 10:18 a literally reads, “Now where there is forgiveness for (all) these (sins)…” Christ Jesus provided remission of our sins, past, present, and future. If this remission did not include all of our sins, there would remain a need for another sacrificial offering for those sins that God yet holds us indebted to appease.

Verses 19-25

Exhortation to Serve the Lord In Hebrews 10:19-25 the author finishes his lengthy theological discourse and exhorts his readers to persevere in serving the Lord. He began this discourse in Hebrews 6:1 by exhorting them to grow in Christian maturity, characterized in Hebrews 6:4-5 as the believer who has partaken of the Holy Ghost, and grown in the Word of God, and has tasted of the powers of the world to come, or “the gifts of the Spirit,” at work in his life. The description of going on to perfection, or maturity, stands in contrast to the elementary knowledge that “babes” in Christ walk in (Hebrews 5:11-14). The author of Hebrews then offered a theological discourse in Hebrews 6:1 to Hebrews 10:18 on the high priesthood and atonement of Jesus Christ as the believer’s basis for growing in maturity. The believer will then understand how to freely draw near unto God (Hebrews 10:22), hold fast his confession of faith (Hebrews 10:23), and exhort others unto good works (Hebrews 10:24-25), allowing him to grow into maturity as described in Hebrews 6:4-5.

Perseverance and the Triune Man - We see the two-fold office and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in Hebrews 10:19-25. His blood was shed on Calvary (Hebrews 10:19) and body was broken (that is, his flesh) (Hebrews 10:20) for our justification. He now stands at the right hand of the Father interceding for the saints in order to maintain our justification as His second role of our redemption (Hebrews 10:21). As our Great High Priest we can:

1. The Heart Full Assurance of Faith (Hebrews 10:22 ) We can now continually live with a clean conscience because our sins have been atoned, which allows us to near to God. Our conscience is now clean because we can have a pure heart, so we no longer walk in guilt and condemnation. We are able to put our total trust and faith in God’s Word.

2. The Mind - Decision to Persevere (Hebrews 10:23 ) As we draw near to God, we are strengthened and able to persevere in the faith. This perseverance is described as “holding faith the confession of our faith without wavering.” The Greek word used here is “hope” rather than faith. This hope serves as an anchor of our soul, or mind, by which we make the daily decision to press on in the Christian life. We learn to confess the Word of God over our lives and stand upon His promises in faith believing that His Word is true even when we may not understand our situations and feelings.

3. The Body - Exhort Others to Persevere (Hebrews 10:24-25 ) When we are strong we can encourage others to persevere in their faith by walking in love and good works.

Thus, we see a reference to the triune man in Hebrews 10:22-24 with this statement of exhortation, “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, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

Reflections of Christ’s Redemption in the Tabernacle Hebrews 10:19-25 gives us an additional brief glimpse into the symbolic meaning of the Tabernacle regarding its reflection of the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. We were given some insight earlier in Hebrews 9:1-14.

Reflections of the Lord’s Supper and Water Baptism - The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper reminds us of His shed blood and His broken body (flesh). The washing with pure water (Hebrews 10:22) reminds us of the sacrament of water baptism, which served as a testimony of our initial cleansing from sin.

Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:19 “Having therefore” - Comments Hebrews 10:19 reaches back into the context of this passage of Scripture using the word “therefore.” The author has just quoted from Jeremiah 31:33-34, which says God will remember our sins no more. This means that we can come to God with boldness instead of being afraid of Him because of sins committed since our salvation. The author has just told us that our sins have been forgiven and remembered no ,more, sins from our past, sins we may comment presently, and those sins we may commit in the future. All sin in our lifetime has been paid for and forgiven. We no longer have to reconcile our sins before entering into God’s presence. The author is about to say that we no longer approach God with fear and timidity, but with confidence and boldness that He will receive us.

Hebrews 10:19 “brethren” Comments - The book of Hebrews is addressed to Christians, brothers in the family of Jesus Christ, as are all of the New Testament epistles. This is an important point since some scholars believe this epistle was written to a mixed congregation of believers and non-believers in an attempt to interpret certain passages to fit with their doctrinal views of once saved, always saved.

We are all brothers in Christ, women included in this statement because we are all members of one body (Romans 12:5) and of the same household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Romans 12:5, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

In addition, Jesus has become our brother (Hebrews 2:10-13) and He now calls us brethren.

Hebrews 10:19 “boldness to enter into the holiest” Word Study on “boldness” Strong says the Greek word “boldness” ( παῤῥησία ) (G3954) means, “assurance.” BDAG says it means, “courage, confidence, boldness, fearlessness.” Confidence is firm belief, assurance, and trust. It is the opposite of shyness. It is not pride (1 Peter 5:5-7). Do not cast it away (Hebrews 10:35), because it gives us the ability to ask in prayer (1 John 3:20-21).

1 Peter 5:5-7, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Hebrews 10:35, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”

1 John 3:20-22, “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

Comments Our boldness to enter into the holiest alludes to the high priest entering the Most Holy place behind the curtain once a year. The priest entered this room with fear and reservation, knowing that he might die if he violated the ceremonial procedures laid down by Moses. This passage of Scripture teaches us that our boldness is no longer based upon our performance, but upon the fact that Jesus paid for our sins, past, present, and future. God will remember them no more, so that we can boldly enter His presence without being sin-conscience. The phrase “to enter into the holiest” literally reads, “the entrance of holy things.” We can now enter the heavenly Tabernacle of God. We are to boldly enter into heaven itself (Hebrews 9:24), to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), which is symbolized by the inner sanctuary beyond the veil of the earthly Tabernacle.

Hebrews 9:24, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”

Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Imagine the fear that the high priest experienced each year on the day of Atonement when he entered the holy of holies. Since the death of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, the priests learned to enter into this place with great fear for their own lives (Leviticus 10:1-12). In contrast, we as believers have free access into heaven itself with no fear, only confidence. This was entirely opposite of what the Jews understood concerning the Holy of Holies.

Scripture References - Also:

Hebrews 9:3, “And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;”

Hebrews 9:12, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

Hebrews 9:25, “Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;”

Hebrews 10:19 “by the blood of Jesus” Comments - The high priest could not enter into Holy of Holies without the blood of the sacrificial animal. Jesus entered in with His own blood. The inauguration of a testament requires the death of the testator (Hebrews 9:16-22).

Illustration - It takes the death of a person for his last will and testament to take effect.

Scripture References:

Exodus 24:8, “And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant , which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”

Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood : and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”

Jeremiah 31:31, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel , and with the house of Judah:”

Matthew 26:28, “For this is my blood of the new testament , which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

John 19:34, “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water .”

Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood , to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”

Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ .”

Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ , who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Hebrews 12:24, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling , that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ : Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Revelation 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood ,”

Revelation 5:9, “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb , and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrews 10:20 “By a new and living way” Comments - The word “new” means, “recently or very lately made” ( Thayer). The old way was with the high priest through the veil of the Tabernacle once a year. There was no longer physical rooms in a tabernacle, but through a person (Jesus Christ) to the throne of God. Jesus is the new and living way to God. He is the Door.

John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

These Hebrews were in danger of mixing the old traditions and the Law with the new way of serving the God through the blood of Jesus Christ.

The living way through faith in Jesus Christ standing in direct contrast to the Law, which Paul calls “the ministration of death” (2 Corinthians 3:6). The Law brought condemnation and ultimate death because no one was able to fulfill it.

2 Corinthians 3:7, “But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:”

Scripture References - Note:

Hebrews 8:13, “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”

Hebrews 10:9, “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

Hebrews 10:20 “through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” - Comments - Between the altar of incense, which represents our prayers, and the Holy of Holies, which represents God’s throne room, was the veil. This veil represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Intercessor. Its presence in the Tabernacle and Temple represented the fact that a way had not yet been made for man to enter into the presence of God since the Fall. When this way was make by Jesus’ sacrificial death on Calvary, the veil was torn, signifying that the way was now made.

Matthew 27:51, “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

Jesus’ body was offered as the sacrifice for our sins.

1 Corinthians 11:24, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

Hebrews 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 10:21 “And having an high priest” Comments - Under the Mosaic Law, Aaron and his sons served as the high priests. The duty of the high priest was to enter yearly into the holy place with blood (Hebrews 9:25 and Leviticus 16:1-19).

Hebrews 9:25, “Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;”

Jesus is now our Great High Priest (Hebrews 5:5; Hebrews 5:10; Hebrews 7:17; Hebrews 7:21)

Hebrews 5:5, “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.”

Hebrews 5:10, “Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”

Hebrews 7:17, “For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

Hebrews 7:21, “(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)”

He is at the throne of God ready to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24).

Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Hebrews 9:24, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”

Hebrews 10:21 “over the house of God” Comments - Aaron’s son, Eleazar, was chief over the chief of the Levites. Jesus is over the house of God today.

Numbers 3:32, “And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.”

Jesus is faithful over God’s house.

Hebrews 3:2, “Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.”

Hebrews 3:6, “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

Scripture Reference - Note:

1 Timothy 3:15, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God , the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Hebrews 10:19-21 Comments Boldness Through Jesus Our Great High Priest - We now have two things:

1. Boldness into the Holy place.

2. A great High Priest Jesus to intercede.

Hebrews 10:22 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.

Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near” Comments - Like Luke 18:1, the context of this passage is to draw near to God and not to ever draw back (verse 39).

Luke 18:1, “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”

Hebrews 10:39, “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Hebrews 10:22 “with a true heart” Comments - A true ( BDAG) or sincere ( NIV, NASB) heart is ready to meet God with an attitude of humility and obedience. This is the only kind of heart that has access to the throne of God (Psalms 24:3-4).

Psalms 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

Hebrews 10:22 “in full assurance of faith” Comments - The same Greek verb ( πληροφορι ́ α ) (G4136) is used in Romans 4:21.

Romans 4:21, “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Hebrews 10:22 “having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” - Comments Aaron and his sons were dedicated by having the blood of the sacrifice sprinkled upon them (Exodus 29:21). This phrase refers to the fact that our hearts have been cleansed by the blood offering of Jesus Christ. The practice of sprinkling blood is found in the Law. Moses sprinkled all that God has consecrated: the book, the people, and the Tabernacle (Exodus 24:8; Exodus 29:21, Hebrews 9:19-21).

Exodus 24:8, “And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”

Exodus 29:21, “And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.”

Hebrews 9:19-21, “For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.”

On the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrificial animals upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat, and he sprinkled the burnt altar with the blood as well.

Leviticus 16:14, “And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.”

Jesus' blood sacrifice offered to God so that we can have daily cleansing is referred to as “the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 12:24, 1 Peter 1:2).

Hebrews 12:24, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Regarding the issue of the conscience, an evil conscience is sin consciousness, which the Jews lived with under the Law. The child of God is to be righteousness consciousness. An evil conscience takes away our boldness and assurance towards God while a pure conscience gives us confidence to enter into His presence.

Psalms 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 10:22 “and our bodies washed with pure water” Comments - The priests washed at the laver before entering through the door of the Tabernacle. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest washed his body before putting on the holy garments and entering into the Holy of Holies (Leviticus 16:4).

Leviticus 16:4, “He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.”

Scripture References - Note:

John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Ephesians 5:26, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”

Hebrews 10:22 Comments We can now draw near to God. We do not have to beg God to draw near, for He has already drawn near to our hearts by pouring out the Holy Spirit into our inner man, our heart. Our hearts have been sprinkled from an evil conscience through the blood of Jesus Christ when He offered His blood before the Father, which cleanses all our sin and gives us a pure heart by which we draw near. Our bodies being washed with pure water represents clean hands, that is, our actions. Every aspect of our make-up is cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ and is now acceptable to enter into God’s presence. God is waiting for us to draw near.

We no longer draw near God based on the Law, or our good works. We must draw near God based solely on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, through faith in His redemption for us and boldly come to God’s throne based on God’s love and redemption for, and we can freely receive all that we need.

Comments The analogy of sprinkling the heart and washing the body is found in the Old Testament. For example, the two-fold cleansing of a man in order to approach God is mentioned in the Old Testament.

Psalms 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

The two-fold practice of sprinkling and cleansing the body goes back to the Mosaic Law. In Numbers 8:7 the Levites and priests were cleansed by sprinkling water on them and washing their clothes, as well as shaving all of their flesh.

Numbers 8:7, “And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.”

In Numbers 19:9, the water of separation is described as a purification for sin:

Numbers 19:9, “And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.”

In Numbers 19:17-19, sprinkling and washing bodies was a symbol of cleansing of sin.

Numbers 19:17-19, “And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel: And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave: And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.”

Illustrations Cain and Abel drew near unto God with two different attitudes of the heart (Genesis 4:4, Hebrews 11:4).

Genesis 4:4, “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:”

Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

Saul and David also approached God with two different attitudes of the heart. Psalms 51:0 clearly shows the sacrifice and way that David came to God, by repentance of sin and a broken heart.

1. Saul spared a man’s life and was judged by the prophet Samuel for his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:1-35). David took a man’s life and found repentance before God (2 Samuel 12:13-14; 2 Samuel 12:22).

2. Saul made sacrifices and took the priest’s office and was judged by the prophet Samuel for his disobedience (1 Samuel 13:1-14). David used the priest’s office, the ephod, and ate shew bread (2 Samuel 24:1-25 and 1 Chronicles 21:1-30).

The heart of King Uzziah became lifted up with pride and he attempted to approach God in the Temple and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

2 Chronicles 26:16, “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.”

God is not a respect of persons, but He resists the proud and gives grace to humble (1 Peter 5:5).

1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

We must be righteous conscience but careful to follow God’s Word. We are to be conscience that we are righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21) careful to avoid allowing the sins from which we were delivered to enter back into our lives (1 John 1:6-10).

2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

1 John 1:6-10, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Scripture References - Note other similar verses that refer to this concept:

Numbers 19:13, “Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.”

Isaiah 52:15, “So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.”

Ezekiel 36:25, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.”

Hebrews 9:13-14, “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Hebrews 12:24, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 10:23 “ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” - Comments Beginning with Nero, which was the period in which the epistle of Hebrews was probably written, Christians were persecuted and forced to deny Jesus and were asked to bow to Caesar. However, we must obey the Word of God and endure a great trial of affliction. The author of Hebrews made a similar statement earlier in Hebrews 4:14.

Hebrews 4:14, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

“for he is faithful that promised” Comments - In Hebrews 6:13-20 the author digresses in order to exhort his readers on the certain promises of God made to Abraham, and now to us, his heirs, through Christ Jesus. He then proceeds to explain the office of the Great High Priest that Jesus has entered into. Now, at the end of this teaching the author repeats his exhortation regarding the faithfulness of promises in Hebrews 10:23.

Scripture Reference - Note also a similar verse:

2 Timothy 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Hebrews 10:24 Comments We provoke others unto love and to good works by living our lives before them as an example so that they may be inspired to live for Jesus Christ as well. We can also provoke them by exhorting them with our words.

Hebrews 10:22-24 Comments God Gives Us Three Commands - There are three commands given to us in Hebrews 10:22-24. With these commandments we see a progression in chronological order.

1. Hebrews 10:22 commands us to draw near to God. Here, we come to God.

2. Hebrews 10:23 commands us to hold fast our confession of faith in God. Here, we become encouraged by God.

3. Hebrews 10:24 commands us to provoke others to do the same. Here, we can then encourage others to draw near to God (Proverbs 27:17).

Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

Note the two “Let us” phrases in these verses. We boldly enter God’s prayer room and make our requests known. Since we cannot make our approach to God without being cleansed of sin (Psalms 24:3-4), we must hold fast in confidence, waiting for God’s answer as in 1 John 5:14-15.

Psalms 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is” Comments - We see from the book of Acts that the earliest Jewish converts continued to worship in the Temple in Jerusalem, and we know from James 2:2 that those of the Diaspora assembled in their local synagogues. Since the epistle of Hebrews was addressed to Jewish converts F. T. Bassett suggests that they may have assembles after hours or in another location to encourage one another in their faith in the Messiah. [241] This was the implication in Hebrews 10:25.

[241] F. T. Bassett, James, in The Biblical Illustrator, ed. Joseph S. Exell (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Pub. House, 1954), in Ages Digital Library, v. 1.0 [CD-ROM] (Rio, WI: Ages Software, Inc., 2002), “Introduction.”

Hebrews 10:25 “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” Comments - In these last days, before the coming of the Lord, meetings are getting larger and greater anointings are being manifested in a greater measure.

Hebrews 10:25 Comments Why is the assembly of believers so important? Because in it, we find strength to persevere (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), which is the underlying theme of Hebrews.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Verses 19-39

Divine Service - Hebrews 10:19 to Hebrews 11:40 emphasizes our divine service based upon the available priesthood of Jesus Christ who ever lives to intercede for the saints. Hebrews 10:19-25 reflects back upon the message contained in Hebrews 5:1 to Hebrews 10:18 by telling us how we are to respond to Jesus’ present-day ministry as our Great High Priest. The previous discussion explained the superior priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 7:1-28) and His superior sacrifice (Hebrews 8:1 to Hebrews 10:18). We now have the access and boldness to enter into the holy place because of His one-time blood sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-20) and because He now intercedes for us as our Great High Priest (Hebrews 10:21). We now can maintain our sanctification: spirit, soul, and body. We can draw near to God and serve Him with a pure heart (Hebrews 10:22), and hold fast our confession, reflecting our mental decisions (Hebrews 10:23), and walk in love towards others, which indicates our physical actions (Hebrews 10:24-25). The author then gives a warning against falling away in Hebrews 10:26-39 for those who refuse to decide to this great revelation of the depth of his redemption in Christ Jesus.

The author supports his opening exhortation (Hebrews 10:19-39) by giving the example of those who served God under the Old Covenant in order to reach glorification by their persevering faith in God (Hebrews 11:1-40).

Outline Here is a proposed outline:

1. 4 th Exhortation: Good Works Hebrews 10:19-39

2. 4 th Doctrinal Discourse Hebrews 11:1-40

Verses 26-39

Warning Against Drawing Back Hebrews 10:26-39 gives a warning against drawing back, or falling away to those who may decide not to draw near unto God and hold fast their confession of faith in Christ, denying the high priesthood and atonement of Jesus Christ that was explained in Hebrews 6:1 to Hebrews 10:18. We have similar statements in Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 12:15; Hebrews 12:25. Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-31 contain a similar statement, that those who turn away from God willfully after knowing the truth cannot find repentance a second time. Between these two statements is a lengthy doctrinal discourse on the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ, which reveals that His offering secured eternal redemption for mankind once and for all. Therefore, Jesus Christ cannot make a second offering for sin.

The Purpose of this Warning - The teaching that the author of Hebrew has made in 6-10 about the priesthhood of Jesus Christ and the believer’s responsibility to draw near to the throne of God is so contradictory to the Law, in such conflict to the mindset of the Jews who have lived under the Law for the past fifteen hundred years, that he concludes it with a stern warning. It would be natural for a Jew to walk away and say that this is impossible to be true, to throw aside the Law and accept a life of grace alone without some form of works. He would be strongly inclined to believe that a Christian still had to do something to earn access to God’s acceptance and love. Yet, God has put all of the sins of mankind upon His Son, and there is no wrath and condemnation left for us, His children.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:26 “after that we have received the knowledge of the truth” Comments - This phrase describes someone who has at one time embraced Jesus Christ as the Messiah, describing the five stages listed in Hebrews 6:4-5 that a mature believer attains.

Hebrews 10:26 “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” Comments - Under the Levitical priesthood, there was always next year when the high priest entered the holy of holies to atone for the sins of the people. However, in Christ the sacrifice was made once for all.

Hebrews 10:26 Comments - In Hebrews 6:1-3 the author discusses with them about going on further into the truth of God’s Word, partaking of meat and no longer milk. He warns them in Hebrews 6:4-6 of the dangers of rejecting this truth once it has been imparted. This revelation truth of Jesus being our Great High Priest was then presented in Hebrews 7:1 to Hebrews 10:18. This is why we find a similar statement to Hebrews 10:26 in Hebrews 6:4-6, which says:

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

If a person has met these five conditions of (1) being enlightened unto their need for salvation, (2) tasting of the gift of salvation, (3) being filled with the Holy Spirit, (4) having grown in the knowledge of God’s Word, and (5) having exercised the supernatural gifts of the Spirit, if he should go back into the world, he cannot come back to the Lord in repentance. This is exactly what Hebrews 10:26 is saying. Thus, the revelation of the knowledge of the truth that a person must receive before falling away without repentance being available is listed in Hebrews 6:4-6.

Hebrews 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Hebrews 10:28 Comments In Hebrews 10:28 the author provides an Old Testament example of God’s fiery judgment and devouring of adversaries. Although there were many offences under the Law that made a provision for an atonement through a sacrifice, Hebrews 10:28 is referring to those extreme examples of rebellion in order to explain how believers under the new covenant can also turn in rebellion against Christ. For example, the man who was picking up sticks on the Sabbath day was stoned (Numbers 15:32-36). The Law also required that if a person entices another to serve other pagan gods, he would be stoned (Deuteronomy 13:6-11; Deuteronomy 17:2-7). If a person offered his children in sacrifice to pagan gods, he was to be stoned (Leviticus 20:2). If a person operated in witchcraft, he was to be stoned (Leviticus 20:27). If a person blasphemed God, he was to be stoned (Leviticus 24:10-23). Korah gathered a group of men to rebel against Moses, and God opened the earth and swallowed them up (Numbers 16:1-34). Achan stole some items from the city of Jericho, and he was stoned (Joshua 7:1-26). Although these Israelis were a part of the covenant between Israel and God, having a hope of redemption, some of them fell back in rebellion and were judged by God. Thus, the author has an Old Testament analogy of a New Testament truth under the new covenant.

Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 10:29 “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy” Comments - They will be worthy of God’s fierce judgment. This shows God’s holiness and righteous judgment.

Hebrews 10:29 “and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace” Comments Doing despite means to insult or outrage. We see an example of this in Matthew 12:32, “And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

Hebrews 10:29 Comments Three acts are listed here that are done against God:

1. Trodden underfoot the Son of God

2. Counted the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing

3. Done despite unto the Spirit of grace

Paul is exhorting them not to fall under such rebellion (Hebrews 6:9).

Hebrews 6:9, “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.”

Note God’s same wrath against His covenant-breaking children in Deuteronomy 29:19-20.

Deuteronomy 29:19-20, “And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.”

God is the same yesterday and today. He does not change.

Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

Illustration:

1 Samuel 3:14, “And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.”

Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Hebrews 10:30 “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord” Comments - The statement in Hebrews 10:30 regarding vengeance belonging to the Lord can apply to parenting. A child tends to take upon himself acts of vengeance and retribution. He is to be disciplined for such behaviour and learn to let his parents apply punishment for those who have done wrong in a household. One reason for this is that a child is incapable of correctly judging the full situation and applying correct judgment. God gave parents the roll of discipline in the home because they can see a bigger picture of how to properly instill discipline in wrongdoing. In the same way, God sees the big picture when we are done wrong, and He alone reserves the right to inflict judgment.

Hebrews 10:30 Comments - Hebrews 10:30 addresses those who for sake God. There is a judgment from God that is certain to come for those who draw back from the Christian faith. This judgment is also referred to in Hebrews 10:27.

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:31 Comments - We easily apply this verse to the judgment of the lost sinner. But God's judgment is very much a part of the believer's life. When a believer lives, he must constantly be willing to judge himself, lest he be judged by God (1 Corinthians 11:32).

1 Corinthians 11:32, “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”

When a believer dies he must fact judgment on the words that he has done in this life. Note:

1 Corinthians 3:13, “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”

Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

The context of this passage is talking about the believer. Therefore, this verse applies to the believer as well as to the sinner

Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Hebrews 10:32 “after ye were illuminated” Comments - The Greek word φωτι ́ ζω (G5461) is used twice in the epistle of Hebrews (Hebrews 6:4; Hebrews 10:32). This word describes the same event of those who have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit to the revelation of Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Gospel.

Hebrews 6:4, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened , and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,”

Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

Hebrews 10:33 “Partly… and partly” Comments - They endured a great struggle of suffering in two ways:

1. Themselves being persecuted.

2. Being ridiculed because of helping those who were persecuted.

Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Hebrews 10:34 Word Study on “in my bonds” Many modern English versions translate the phrase “in my bonds” as a verb used substantivally: “on the prisoners” ( RSV), “on them that were in bonds” ( ASV), “with those in prison” ( NI V).

Hebrews 10:34 Comments - Although the average believer recognizes obvious abuses of love in his Christian life, there is a deeper walk with the Lord where we become much more sensitive to walking in love with others. In 1 Thessalonians 4:10 Paul exhorts the believers to strive to grow in their love walk by saying “that ye increase more and more.” John the apostles defines this type of mature love as “perfect love” (1 John 4:18). John explains that it means a believe can come to the place where he no longer makes decisions based on the fear of man, but he strives to please God in pure love and devotion to Him as all costs. We find an excellent example of mature, self-less love in the life of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:15-18). In contrast to Phygellus and Hermogenes, who were ashamed of Paul’s bonds and hid their faith in Christ for fear of Roman persecutions, Onesiphorus boldly kept the faith in the face of possible persecutions, even going as far as visiting Paul during his Roman imprisonment, which Luke mentions in general in Acts 28:30. Onesiphorus walked in self-less love, while many others in Asia were self-centered because they were moved by fear.

1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

We find another example in Hebrews 10:32-34, where the author describes the persecutions endured by these believers because of their faith in Christ. Their goods were plundered by those who were persecuting them (Note Jesus’ commandment on this issue of the spoiling of their goods in Luke 6:30.) Despite such persecutions, these Hebrew saints were not ashamed of Paul’s bonds.

Luke 6:30, “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again .”

Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Hebrews 10:35 Comments The same Greek word παρ ̓ ρ ̔ ησι ́ α (G3954) (boldness, confidence) was used in Hebrews 10:19, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,” and it is used again in Hebrews 10:35, “Cast not away therefore your confidence , which hath great recompence of reward.” Our confidence, or boldness, gives us the courage to enter into God’s presence and seek help in time of need, as stated in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need,” where we find παρ ̓ ρ ̔ ησι ́ α used again. Without this confidence, we would withdraw back from God in fear, being more conscience of our sins that of Jesus’ blood sacrifice that has already paid for these sins. We are to have no consciousness of sin as God’s children.

Our faith is a practical expression of our confidence that we have in God and His Word. The devil is after this confidence in God. Sin makes men cowards through condemnation. This statement in Hebrews 10:35 is a good example of Mark 4:17 in the sense that those believers who become offended lose their confidence towards God.

Mark 4:17, “And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.”

Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:36 Scripture Reference - Note:

Hebrews 6:12, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Hebrews 10:37 Comments - The Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, among other passages of Scripture, tells us about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith” - Comments - Faith will be defined in Hebrews 11:1 with an emphasis on perseverance, rather than on salvation, as in the epistle of Romans.

“but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” - Comments The author of Hebrews has exhorted to come boldly unto the throne of grace through the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are not to draw back in fear, believing that our sins have blocked our access to God.

Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 10:39 “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition” Comments - The word “perdition” refers to eternal damnation. These believers could shrink back and lose their salvation.

Illustrations:

Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt for looking back:

Genesis 19:17, “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee , neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”

Jesus warns of looking back:

Luke 9:62, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The children of Israel looked back to Egypt in the wilderness:

Numbers 14:1-4, “And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.”

Mark 4:13-20 - Afflictions and cares of this world cause us to look back and not enter into rest.

As believers, we have a better option than to look back:

John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 10:39 “but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” Comments - How do we believe to the saving of the soul? We do this by taking God’s Word as a part of our lifestyles (James 1:21). The next chapter is an illustration of those who lived by faith to the saving of their soul.

James 1:21, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Hebrews 10:39 Comments - Paul is exhorting these Hebrews to press on and not to draw back as in Hebrews 6:9. Thus, we have a choice, to draw back, or to press on by faith.

Hebrews 6:9, “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.”

He will define this type of persevering faith in Hebrews 11:1, then he will go through the Old Testament Scriptures and cite many examples of those who persevered by faith and received God’s promises.