Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 10)

Chapter summary:
The writer continues to identify ways in which the sacrifice of Christ is superior. The endless repetition of sacrifices made under Mosaic Law is proof they could not perfect the worshiper. In the same way, Christ's offering of a single sacrifice is proof that He makes men holy! (10:1-10) After making one sacrifice, Jesus "sat down" at God's right hand, signifying that His work was finished (vv. 11-14). And Scripture adds its testimony. It reminds us that under the New Covenant sins are forgiven. Once truly forgiven, no more sacrifice is required (vv. 15-18).

The writer then pauses again. He urges his readers to draw confidence from Christ's High Priesthood and so "hold steadfastly to the hope we profess" (vv. 19-25). There are terrible consequences for anyone who refuses to respond to God's saving act in Christ (vv. 26-31). But the writer knows his audience has made a very different choice—a choice exhibited in their commitment to Christ despite persecution, prison, and confiscation of property. He urges them to hold on to their initial confidence, sure that soon Jesus will come, and we will be ready for Him then (vv. 32-39).

The believer’s application: Confidence leads to commitment.

INSIGHT
“Make perfect” (10:1):
The word is used in the common biblical sense of bringing someone or something to an intended goal.

“A reminder of sins” (10:3):
A person who takes an insulin shot daily has protection from the disease. But each shot he or she takes is a reminder of the illness. In the same way the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament covered the sins of Old Testament people—but reminded them that they were still in sin's grip. Christ's one sacrifice has a different message. It does not need to be repeated. Our sins are gone—and we are free.

"Made perfect" (10:14):
Christ's sacrifice brings us to the place God has always intended for us.

"Being made holy" (10:14):
Christ not only makes us righteous in God's sight. He has power to make us progressively holy in our lives here on earth.

"No longer any sacrifice" (10:18):
To "forgive" means, literally, to cancel or to send away. Since our sins themselves are canceled in the death of Christ, and so completely "sent away" that we no longer bear any guilt, there is no need for any further sacrifice. As the hymn says, God has redeemed us "once for all."

"Washed" (10:22):
We who hold fast have been cleansed within by God and have made a public profession through baptism.

"Encourage one another on" (10:24-25):
Here is another brief picture of an early church meeting. Believers met not just to hear preaching, but to encourage each other "toward love and good deeds." Don't overlook such relationships if you expect to live a vital, successful Christian life.

"Deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26-31):
Here the writer confronts apostasy, a deliberate choice to return to the old system of sacrifices and so "trample underfoot the Son of God." For such sin many will be judged.

“Perseverance”: the consequence of confidence (10:32-39):
The word hypomeno means to "patiently endure." It involves overcoming difficulties and withstanding pressures. The writer reminds his readers that they have demonstrated this quality, an expression of their confidence in Christ. They stood their ground despite suffering. They remained faithful despite insult, persecution, and even the loss of property. And they took a stand beside those in prison. The challenge now is to hold on, confident, till Jesus comes.