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Hebrews Chapter 10

Memory verses for this week:  2 Pet 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

Introduction:  In Chapter 9, we studied about how that the sanctuary in the tabernacle and the temple were types of the true sanctuary we now have in our Lord Jesus Christ.   We have a High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us. 

I.   The Law and Offerings Made Nothing Perfect

Heb 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.

Heb 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.

We have studied in the past how that the law really was used a schoolmaster to show us how far short of God’s glory we stand.  It never made a person perfect, but was a shadow of good things to come.  If the sacrifices had made the people perfect, then they would not have had to continually bring more animals to be sacrificed.  But the blood of animals could not make anyone perfect as it says in verse 4.

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

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

Every time that the people sinned in the Old Testament times, they had to bring a new offering or sacrifice.  Today, in our dispensation of grace, we look to the one sacrifice that Jesus made on Calvary and ask Him for forgiveness with the assurance that he will forgive us of all sin.    Verse 3 reminds us that every year, there was that remembrance of former sins.  Those animal sacrifices could not take away sin, but they typified Christ who could take away sin.   The people in the Old Testament trusted God and looked forward in time believing the Messiah would come and die for their sins.  Today, we look back, knowing Jesus has already came and paid the penalty for our sins.  I believe Christ’s death on the cross, was sufficient to pay for all the sins of all mankind.  Unfortunately, not all will come to Christ and seek forgiveness by repenting and trusting Christ in faith.

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

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

Heb 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.

Heb 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;

Heb 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.

Jesus is eternal, and existed from eternity past.   He (and the Holy Spirit) were with God when they formed man in “our image” as it states in Genesis.  So when Jesus came to earth, he existed before he was born.  All God gave Christ was an earthly body to dwell in for his 33 ½ years.  Those blood offerings of the animals never pleased God, and nothing could take away sin until Jesus died and paid the ultimate price that God required to forgive us.  While God had no pleasure in those offerings, Jesus’ death was acceptable and did please the Heavenly Father.

Isa 53:10  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Christ came to this earth to fulfill what was written and prophesied that he would come and do.  By fulfilling Psalms 40, Christ wound up the old dispensation of the law and brought in the new dispensation of grace.

Psa 40:6  Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

Psa 40:7  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

Psa 40:8  I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Psa 40:9  I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psa 40:10  I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

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

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

It is through the offering of Christ and His blood that we are sanctified.  Paul explains in verse 11 that the Old Testament priests were ministering and carrying on a work which was never completed.  The reason was that the sacrifices they offered could not take away sin.  The term in verse 11 that says ‘every priest standeth daily’ points out that they were never seated.  There were no chairs in the Holy Place of the sanctuary nor in the inner chamber, the Holiest of Holies.  The priest’s work was never completed in the sanctuary of the tabernacle.

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

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

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

Thank God we find our great High Priest seated today on the right hand of God.  This signifies that the job is completed.  When He offered His own blood on the mercyseat in Heaven, all of the Old Testament types were fulfilled and there was never to be another sacrifice made for sin.  Jesus’ blood was sufficient to pay the required price that God demanded, and only Jesus’ blood was enough.  By the offering of Christ’s blood, we are perfected in Him forever.

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

Heb 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;

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

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

Verse 15 states the Holy Spirit witnesses this to us to prove that it is all true.   What was promised to Israel and Judah through the new covenant is now true of all who receive Christ as their Savior.

Jer 31:33  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.

Jer 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. 

The Believers Study Bible said this about the perfect offering Jesus made for us.

10:18 The blood of sacrificial animals effected a temporary atonement, but the sacrificial system in itself could not take away sin and its consequent debt (which required forgiveness), slavery (which called for redemption), or alienation (which demanded reconciliation). Christ through His death made the perfect atonement with everlasting efficacy.  [1]

II.  We Enter the Holiest Through the Blood of Christ

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

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

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

Before Jesus died, only the High Priest could go into that inner most chamber of the tabernacle called the Holiest of Holies, and he could only go once per year.  After Christ died, the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom, signifying how that we can now go right into the presence of the Lord.  The wall of separation was broken down by God.   In our Wednesday night studies of the tabernacle, it was pointed out that the inner veil to the Holiest of Holies was like 10 inches thick.  Even horses tied to the sides could not separate that veil.  But God could, and it was God who tore it into from the top to the bottom when Christ died on Calvary.

Luke 23:44  And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Luke 23:45  And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

Luke 23:46  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Luke 23:47  Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Luke 23:48  And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Luke 23:49  And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

J. Vernon McGee said this about these verses.

That veil was torn in two when Christ was crucified on the cross, which indicated that the way to God was open.

“Through the veil, that is to say, his flesh”—flesh is the same word we find in the prologue of John’s Gospel where he said that “the Word became flesh.” John didn’t say that it was a new and living way open to God, because the Incarnation, the life of Christ saves no one. We enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Our right of entrance is not through His incarnation but through the rending of the veil; that is, through His death. You and I have the privilege of worshiping God, not because of the life of Jesus, but because of His death for us upon the Cross. Oh, my friend, this distinction is so important!  “By a new and living way.” The word new is from the Greek word prosphatos, meaning “newly slain.” It speaks of the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has opened up for you and me a new and living way to God through His crucifixion, through His death upon the Cross. The old sacrifices won’t help you anymore, friend.  .[2]

Heb 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.

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

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

Heb 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.

Verses 22, 23, and 24 speak of “Let us”.  This is a call to action.  God wants us to draw near with a true heart, to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, and to consider one another to provoke us unto love and to good works.  All of these are important, but one of the most important is mentioned in verse 25 where God exhorts us to keep on assembling ourselves to reach others for the cause of Christ.  This honors God and glorifies His son Jesus Christ.

 Things are evil in the world, and when we come together it strengthens us and it gives credibility to work of the Lord.   I got a disturbing email from someone yesterday that apparently just stumbled upon the website and was highly offended.  The man (or woman) wrote a very offensive letter calling Christians a very bad name and said we were all wrong in trying to force our beliefs down everyone’s throats based upon some ancient best selling book that was nothing more than that. 

At first I was very mad, and started to respond in anger.  But rethinking things, it made me realize that there was a time in my own life when I shared those thoughts.  But people loved me and told me about Christ.   I tried to show love and responded in a way that I hope made the person realize that we serve a true and living God.   To not believe there is a greater power than what we have on this earth is taking a very shallow view.  But to acknowledge our Maker (which even the stars of heaven witness to his existence), and to realize how far we come short of His glory and righteousness will make us realize that we need a Savior.   And I pointed out using many verses to back it up that all of us one day will bow our knees to God and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.   There is no escaping it.  And after that person read those verses, I believe there might be some realization that no ordinary book could pierce and cut the heart the way God’s Word can.  My words may soon be forgotten, but those that God spoke will last forever.  I pray this person will see the love of Christ and turn to Him.   When we cross from this life unto the next, it will be too late if we have not accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Sin has a price, and we either pay it ourselves for eternity separated from God, or we come to God His way with faith and repentance.   What love God has shown to us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

III.  The Danger of Willful Sin

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

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

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

Heb 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?

When we hear the gospel and do not respond, there is a horrible price to be paid.   And when we do know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and refuse to follow in his Righteous steps, we can be sure that chastisement is on its way.  The writer calls to our attention that in Moses’ day, those that despised the died without mercy at the testimony of two or three witnesses.   I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I live today during our time period where we are not stoned to death for even a minor infraction of the law or commandments.   But sin is something God hates, and in verse 29, he warns of the punishment that awaits those who have trodden under foot the Son of God. 

Heb 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.

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

God is sure to bring judgment on those who turn from him or stiffen their necks when they are brought under conviction.  We need to have a soft heart that is teachable and moldable into the pattern of Jesus Christ.  It is a very fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

2 Sam 24:10  And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

2 Sam 24:11  For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

2 Sam 24:12  Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

2 Sam 24:13  So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

2 Sam 24:14  And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

2 Sam 24:15  So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

 2 Sam 24:16  And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

2 Sam 24:17  And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

 Prov 28:26  He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Prov 28:27  He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Prov 28:28  When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Prov 29:1  He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

IV.  They Were Called Upon to Remember the Former Days

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

Heb 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.

Heb 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.

After the Hebrews were enlightened and saved, they suffered as Christians.  Many are surprised at this, but if you live Godly, persecution will come eventually.   These who had been persecuted did not give up, but knew that they had something much greater in Heaven for what they endured.

2 Tim 3:10  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

2 Tim 3:11  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

2 Tim 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2 Tim 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

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

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

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

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

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

Paul encouraged these to keep on because they had a promise of the coming of the Lord.  God does not have pleasure in those who begin in faith and then fall back or turn from the work of the Lord.  He blesses those who put their hand on the plow and never look back.   We are of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

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

John 6:37  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Phil 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

2 Tim 1:12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

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Prov 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

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