Chapter Ten
Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
10:1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
The author begins to conclude his comparison between the law and the salvation offered through Jesus by examining the sacrifices each one provided. Here he refers to the law as nothing but a shadow of the things that were to come (salvation through Christ). Since the law required sacrifices to be continually offered, the law could never make those who draw near to God perfect (Greek ‘teleiōsai’,[1] complete). If it was able to do that, then the people, after being cleansed, would no longer be aware of their sins and stop offering sacrifices. But instead, these sacrifices would serve as reminders of their sinful nature and their sins. The author then firmly states, “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” This statement may confuse some, but we need to remember that burnt offerings were made to seek favor from God and to remove any uncleanness, and sin offerings were to be offered in response to unintentional sins; none of the sacrifices provided forgiveness of all sins nor the removal of mankind's sinful nature.[2]
10:5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”
Since the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins, when Jesus came into the world, the author records that Jesus said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me.” While not referenced as something spoken by Jesus elsewhere in the New Testament, the author attributes this quotation from Psalm 40:6-8 as being something Jesus said (although Jesus did quote a similar phrase from Hosea 6:6 twice, see Matthew 9:13; 12:7).
It should be noted that there is a significant difference between the Hebrew version of Psalm 40:6 and the Septuagint Greek version which is what is quoted here in verse five. The Hebrew version states, “but you have given me an open ear,” and the Septuagint reads, “but a body you have restored to me.”[3] While the Hebrew word ‘ōzen’ (ear),[4] is often used as a metaphor for obedience and intellect, the Greek word ‘sōma’,[5] refers to something entirely different, a body, generally the body of a person or animal. It is unknown why the difference, however, the reference to the body does seem to apply better as Jesus came into the world with a body, so that He could die. In addition, the term can also apply to another ‘body’, the “body of believers” (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
The quotation from Psalm 40 continues to include that the person to whom Jesus is speaking (the only person that could be applicable to would be God the Father), no longer takes pleasure in either burnt or sin offerings. Then Jesus said (the reference to the “Then I said,” comes from Psalm 40:7), “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.” On several occasions Jesus stated that He was doing the will of His Father (see Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42; John 5:30; 6:38). Plus, the New Testament also records Jesus saying that all of Scripture was about Him (see Luke 24:27, 44, quoted from Psalm 40:7) and that He was indeed obedient to His Father (see Matthew 17:5).
10:8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
When Jesus said, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings,” the author adds a note that those sacrifices were offered in accordance with the law and then returns to the comment made by Jesus. “Behold, I have come to do your will” (see Psalm 40:8, see also verse seven above). When Jesus completed His ministry on earth (lived a sinless life, suffered, died, and was resurrected), He did away with the first process required by the Mosaic law and established the second process. That being, sanctification through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
10:11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
The author reflects on the futility and inadequacy of the sacrifices offered in the first process by comparing how the priests had to daily offer the same sacrifices repeatedly, while Jesus offered Himself only once and He was done. After which He sat down at the right hand of His Father, where He is today waiting for the time when His enemies will be made a footstool for His feet (see Hebrews 1:13, see also Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28). The author clarifies that by the single offering made by Jesus, He has perfected for all time the believers who are being sanctified.
10:15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
The first section of the book of Hebrews (1:1-10:18, often referred to as the doctrine), closes with another quotation from Jeremiah 31 (the prophecy that God was going to offer a new covenant). Since the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the author reminds his readers that it is the Holy Spirit that bears witness that the promise of that new covenant is true, one that offers complete and eternal forgiveness of sins. Then he clarifies that where there is total forgiveness of sin, there is no more need for sacrifices or any offering for sin.
Considerations
Why Would God No Longer Desire Sacrifices?
Certainly, after Jesus was victorious on the cross the old “Mosaic” system was no longer required, as He successfully paid the price for all believer’s redemption and fulfilled the law. That means that none of the protocols listed in the law were required to be maintained. None of them, that includes the cleansing ceremonies, the keeping of the Sabbath, or any of the festivals. While it is true that the law reminds us, what is and what is not a sin against God (or another way of looking at them is to understand what pleases God), what Jesus did does allow for forgiveness. It is also true that most of the commandments in the Torah are in alignment with other laws, such as those that tell you to not steal or kill. Being forgiven for a crime by God does not exonerate one from the laws of man. God allowed the Temple, the structure and system used to comply with the law, to be destroyed, thus effectively stopping the ability to continue the old process (remember without blood, no forgiveness).
But what about when that phrase first appeared, long before Jesus began His ministry? In the Old Testament obeying God’s law was critical, however, obeying for obedience’s sake was and is still not what God desires (see 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13; 12:7 and Mark 12:33). This may confuse some since it was God who set up the process and protocols regarding the sacrificial system and, even though providing a sacrifice would be considered obedience, God is saying He would prefer that they wouldn’t obey if their motivation is only to blindly follow a ritual. That is why God desires His people to love Him with all our hearts (see Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). A Christian’s obedience to Jesus is the best way of showing their love for Him, not because they must, but that they want to.
Full Assurance of Faith
10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
The author after laying out how the new plan of salvation that Jesus offers is superior to the law given in the Torah (Hebrews 1:1-10:18), he now shifts to discuss how to live and apply that doctrine. Knowing that the sacrifice of Jesus is superior, Christians can enter the holy places with confidence. The sacrifice of His flesh has opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain that previously separated man from God. Since Jesus is also the High Priest over the house of God, believers can draw near to God with a true heart, knowing that through faith that they have been cleansed of an evil conscience and their bodies washed with pure water.
The author instructs his readers to hold fast the promise of the gospel message without wavering, since the one who made the promise is faithful. In addition, the author says that each should “stir up” (Greek ‘paroxysmon’,[6] to provoke in a good sense) and inspire fellow believers to be loving and to do things that are helpful and good. “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Verse 25, NLT)
10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Verse 26 is often misunderstood and taken out of context. First, what it’s not: it is not a blanket statement that God will not forgive those that deliberately sin. If a Christian believer sins and then repents and seeks forgiveness, regardless of their past, they will always receive forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9-10). Now, understanding so far that this epistle’s primary objective has been to show the superiority of the salvation attainable through Jesus over the system of rules, regulations, and laws given to Moses as recorded in the Torah, we can also see that the primary goal of this epistle was to help those in Judaism to see Jesus as the Messiah and accept His free offer of salvation.
Before continuing, it may be helpful to examine the epistle’s historical context. In theology there are a number of straightforward terms used, such as monotheism, which refers to the belief in only one God and polytheism being the belief that there are several gods. Some terms like dualism, which refers to a duality, such as good and evil, God and Satan, etc. are often uniquely defined by the specific theologian or religion. However, Christianity is definitely monotheistic, even though God is revealed in the Bible in three persons. For those that have accepted Jesus as their Savior, there is no carryover of any other religion considered or required, there is no need as Jesus did all the work; nothing else is necessary and that is exactly what the Bible teaches. But for some it is not that easy, one might say, old habits don’t die easily. We see during the apostle Paul’s ministry that he encountered several people that had a polytheistic mindset typical of the pagans of their day, and that they were intrigued with Christ but only wanted to add Him to their pantheon of gods, as one of many. Through the years missionaries have often told stories about those that have come to Christ and then on their way home from church, or later in the week, offer sacrifices to a false god. This form of duality that blends Christianity with local or other non-compatible beliefs was, and still is, a serious problem as faith in Jesus requires faith in Him alone (see Mark 12:29; John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5). Anyone who believes they need to do something more or apply any effort, with the idea they can add or complete their own salvation, does not have faith in Jesus alone.
This is similar to the situation the author of Hebrews was facing with recent converts from Judaism to Christianity. They may have seen Jesus as the Messiah and possibly accepted Him as their Savior, but they were not comfortable with a covenant that did not require effort on their behalf. They were not satisfied that Jesus completed the work for their salvation, and they felt the need to continue to ‘work’ for it. Paul would remind us that, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, see also 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5), and that by doing these ‘works’ these compromised believers would essentially remain under the law and continue in their sin (see Romans 3:19-20; James 2:10)
Going back to beginning of this section, we see that from verse 19 the author is speaking about the absolute assurance of salvation through Jesus. Recognizing that many were still attempting to comply with the law (such as continuing to offer sacrifices, observe festivals and other sacred days, follow cleansing rituals, etc.), the author reminds them that they are sinning deliberately. While some may wish to argue this point, those actions (the sin) demonstrated their rejection of the gospel message. If it is indeed rejected, then there are no other sacrifices available to satisfy the law. Therefore, the person is not saved, and if a person is not saved, then judgment should be expected resulting in a fury of fire.
The author points out that under the law of Moses people were punished without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses, then he asks how much worse the punishment would be expected for those who have trampled on the Son of God. Those that have profaned the blood of the covenant by which it became holy (done by those that believe Jesus’ sacrifice was insufficient or inadequate for their salvation), and in so doing, outraged the Holy Spirit. The author then quotes two verses from the Song of Moses (see Deuteronomy 32:35-36), noting that vengeance belongs to God and He will repay along with the reference to Him judging, something as the author further notes that, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
10:32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
The author wants his readers to think back to the days shortly after they learned about Jesus. To remember the struggles they had but remained faithful, even when publicly humiliated, being beaten and facing reproach or when they helped others going through the same affliction. They were to remember the compassion they had for those in prison and when they didn’t care when they were victims of theft, knowing they had a better possession in Christ. The author then pleads for them to not throw away that which they had confidence in, the one with a great reward. He asks for them to persevere and endure while they continue to do God’s will. Then when done, they will receive all that God promised. The author then clarifies, perhaps to make sure that his readers don’t misapply that truth as being a statement about works being required for salvation, quotes Habakkuk 2:3-4 to point out that the righteous shall live by faith and if they “shrink back” and withdraw, God will find nothing good in them.
10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
The author reminds his readers that they are not those who withdrew and are consequently destroyed but are actually saved through faith in Jesus.
Considerations
Even though the book of Habakkuk is not on most people’s reading list, it has changed many lives as it contains one of the more important premises in the entire Bible (some might say it is the most important). That being the simple fact that God considers those being righteous are those not made righteous through their actions, but through their faith. Habakkuk 2:4 reads: “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.” Some might ask who are the righteous? The apostle Paul answers that question when he quotes this verse in Romans 1:17 and then identifies how they are to live in his epistle to the church in Galatia when he quotes the same verse again (see Galatians 3:11). And now the author of Hebrews identifies the faith in Hebrews 10:38-12:2, as being faith in Jesus Christ. Key verses are often repeated, if for no other reason, to make sure they are read!
As mentioned at the beginning of this section that some of these verses are often misunderstood and debated, as they can easily be interpreted out of context. From verse 26 regarding struggling with sin, many connect this verse with Christianity and ask whether a Christian can still have a fleshly nature? The answer is yes, all Christians remain being sinners until they are with Jesus in heaven. Each believer will continue to exist in a dichotomy (a dual state) consisting of a sinful body and a forgiven soul[7] until that time. Paul wrote about his own ongoing struggle with sin in his epistle to the church in Rome (see Romans 7:14-25). There he acknowledged that Christians will continue to struggle with temptations of the flesh as the body is still sinful. Regarding his own struggle he noted, “that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” (Romans 7:21b, NLT) Paul is admitting that even he wrestled with sin, a person God used in a mighty way.
Due to the prominent worldly way of thinking in “shades of gray” (where absolutes don’t exist), many think that Christianity can be weighed or measured in a person. It cannot, either you believe and have faith in Jesus as your Savior, or you do not. Christians can be forgiven regardless of how many times they return to sin. However, even though these moments of weakness do not affect one’s salvation they are against God’s desires and will affect their fellowship with Him.[8] We should remember what God told Cain long ago, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6) Christians should try to resist sin, lust, and temptation. James would further remind us of and possibly admonish us to: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8) The key here is to draw near to God, pulling away from Him is when Christians can get into trouble.
Now regarding the subject of pulling away, in verse 39 with the text referring to “shrinking back” many interpret that it is possible for believers to lose their salvation. It is not; however, it is true that many claim to know Jesus and call themselves a Christian but are clearly not or perhaps someone who once proclaimed to be a Christian and then later denies God. These individuals may have grown up in a Christian family but found science or the world more compelling, ‘tried’ Christianity but found it didn’t meet their expectations or perhaps they became a Christian but found the life too restrictive or they couldn’t handle the peer pressure, etc. So, what happened? If the concept of “once saved” is true, then how did this falling away occur? The answer is that they never accepted Jesus, they may have been able to fool others, but they can never fool God. Here are a few points to consider:
Jesus said that not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is one. Some believe that Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, offers the framework for what it means to be a Christian. To begin with, after speaking about how believers are to respond to God’s love (living as a disciple of Jesus, see Matthew 5:1-7:14) Jesus warns Christians that they need to be diligent. Interestingly, He begins with the subject of false prophets, saying that they are like sheep dressed in wolf’s clothing. He also noted that believers would know them by their fruit. In a sense, He is calling Christians to be fruit inspectors, as good fruit comes from good trees and bad fruit comes from bad trees (see Matthew 7:15-20). Next, He informs Christians (in what could be described as some of the scariest words in the Bible),[9] that not everyone who claims to be a Christian will enter heaven (read Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus also concluded the Sermon on the Mount telling believers that they need to build their homes (referring to their lives) on Him, otherwise their homes will fall (condemned to hell, see Matthew was 7:24-27).
Plus, Christians are sealed[10] by the Holy Spirit! The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Ephesus states that Christians, once having accepted Jesus as our Savior, have received something very special. “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14) The seal (the Greek word ‘esphragisthēte’,[11] also implies being secured) is something that was used to show authority (like a letter sent by a king and sealed with a signet stamped in wax) and that it would not be opened by anyone who did not have proper authority. Paul reminds us that only God has that authority, and He is not letting go! “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)
A Christian’s inheritance is imperishable, kept in heaven. In his first epistle, Peter greeted his fellow believers with a blessing that reminds all Christians that their hope is safe and secure. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
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[1] Strong’s Greek 5048.
[2] See the Overview of Offerings after Leviticus chapter seven.
[3] Brannan, R., Penner, K. M., Loken, I., Aubrey, M., & Hoogendyk, I. (Eds.). (2012). The Lexham English Septuagint (Ps 39:7). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[4] Strong’s Hebrew 241.
[5] Strong’s Greek 4983.
[6] Strong’s Greek 3948.
[7] See Considerations under Genesis 1:31 regarding “Body, Soul and Spirit.”
[8] See commentary under Hebrews 12:1-2.
[9] See also commentary under Deuteronomy 1:41-46 and Hebrews 6:4-8.
[10] See also Considerations under Numbers 11:26-30 regarding "Take Not" and under Hebrews 5:12-14 "Before Moving On."
[11] Strong’s Greek 4972.