Hebrews 10
Hebrews 10 compares and explains how much more complete and effective the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is than the sacrifices under the law of the old covenant. This chapter emphasizes that through Jesus’ one-time sacrifice, forgiveness of sins is fully accomplished, and it introduces the new and living way given to believers. It also encourages readers to hold on to God’s promises and to encourage one another within the community of faith.
1verseFor the law, having a shadow of the good to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near.
2verseOr else wouldn’t they have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins?
3verseBut in those sacrifices there is a yearly reminder of sins.
4verseFor it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.
5verseTherefore when he comes into the world, he says, “You didn’t desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared a body for me.
6verseYou had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.
7verseThen I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of me) to do your will, O God.’”
8versePreviously saying, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you didn’t desire, neither had pleasure in them” (those which are offered according to the law),
9versethen he has said, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He takes away the first, that he may establish the second,
10verseby which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11verseEvery priest indeed stands day by day serving and offering often the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,
12versebut he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God,
13versefrom that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet.
14verseFor by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
15verseThe Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
16verse“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,” says the Lord, “I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;” then he says,
17verse“I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.”
18verseNow where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19verseHaving therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
20verseby the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh,
21verseand having a great priest over God’s house,
22verselet’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water,
23verselet’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
24verseLet’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,
25versenot forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
26verseFor if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,
27versebut a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.
28verseA man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.
29verseHow much worse punishment do you think he will be judged worthy of who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30verseFor we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me. I will repay,” says the Lord. Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
31verseIt is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32verseBut remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
33versepartly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions, and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so.
34verseFor you both had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.
35verseTherefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.
36verseFor you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
37verse“In a very little while, he who comes will come and will not wait.
38verseBut the righteous one will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39verseBut we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1-18: A contrast between the sacrifices under the law and the sacrifice offered once by Christ
- Verses 19-25: Grace that enables bold access to the Lord, and exhortation to the faith community
- Verses 26-31: A warning against willful sin and God’s justice
- Verses 32-39: Perseverance of faith and hope in God’s promise
Flow of the Main Content
First, Hebrews 10 emphasizes that although the sacrifices of the Old Testament law are repeated every year, they could not fully remove sin (verses 1-4). It then highlights the fact that Jesus accomplished true atonement by offering himself once for all in accordance with God’s will (verses 5-18). This confirms that Jesus’ sacrifice is unique and complete. Next, the following section (verses 19-25) proclaims that a new way has been opened to draw near to God through the blood of Jesus, and it urges believers to encourage one another and hold firmly to their faith. Verses 26-31 contain a serious warning for those who continue to sin even after knowing the truth. Finally, in verses 32-39, the author urges the faith community that overcame past suffering to persevere and to hold on to God’s faithful promises.
Points for Reflection
- What assurance and freedom does Christ’s sacrifice, offered once for all, give me?
- Am I encouraging one another within the community of faith?
- How might a life of waiting for God’s promises and persevering be expressed in specific ways?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I reflect on whether I am still condemning myself or staying in a repeated sense of guilt.
- Standing on the assurance of salvation, I can choose a life that boldly draws near to God.
- Within the community, I should become someone who looks after others, encourages them, and helps strengthen their faith.