To Be One in Christ: We Have Treasure in the Jars of Clay -- the Series of Explanation and Analysis of Scripture (15) - 10 - part I
The Explanation and Analysis of the Verses in Chapter 10 of HEBREWS
It is edited and compiled under the guidance of Holy Spirit. All thanks, praises and glories be to God!
The Supremacy of Christ: (V) The accomplishments of the new covenant are greater than those of the old covenant (8:1-10:39)
3. opened a new and living way (10:1-25)
(1) The sacrifices offered according to the law is only a “shadow”, and can not take away sins (10:1-4)
A. The law is a shadow, but not the reality (10:1)
B. The sacrifices offered according to the law can not make people perfect (10:1latter-2 )
C. The sacrifices offered according to the law can not take away sins (10:3-4)
(2) Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that is the reality to take away sins (10:5-18)
A. Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that is in accordance with the will of God (10:5-10)
B. Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that indeed accomplished the redemption (10:11-18)
(3) Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that opened a new and living way for us (10:19-25)
A. The blessings that the believers received (10:19-22)
B. The duties that the believers should fulfill (10:22-25)
3. opened a new and living way (10:1-25)
The accomplishments of the new covenant are greater than those of the old covenant. It is not only because the new covenant has better mediator, and better blood of the sacrifice for sins, but also because the new covenant opened a new and living way. This new and living way was opened by Christ who offered His body as the sacrifice for sins, so that whoever is cleansed by His blood can come to God with confidence, but does not need to rely on the priest in men’s world as their representative to worship God. According to verse (9:8) “The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. ” On the other hand, it implies that the way to the Most Holy Place is disclosed in the new covenant; in this verse, it points it out more clearly. However, here, before the author starts to discuss this important truth, he drew a conclusion of the previous verses first, and said clearly that the sacrifice under the law can not “take away sins”; then he illuminated the accomplishments of the sacrifice of Christ Himself as the encouragements to the believers.
(1) The sacrifices offered according to the law is only a “shadow”, and can not take away sins (10:1-4)
In these verses, the author repeatedly explains that the law is invalid on the work of redemption. The Holy Spirit inspired the one who wrote the Bible in such a way that this topic is mentioned again and again. It shows that the misunderstanding of people on the function of the laws is the biggest barrier for people to understand the merits of the redemption of Christ. Furthermore, the concept that one can take away sins by relying on the law, is deeply rooted in the minds of the Hebrews who are earnest in laws. Therefore, it need to explain it repeatedly to change their thoughts. Here, it lists 3 points to prove that the law is invalid in taking away sins.
A. The law is a shadow, but not the reality (10:1)
Heb 10:1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
(NOTES)
In the verses of (8:5; 9:9-10), the similar words were given already. Here, it draws the conclusion of what have been mentioned previously, and further explains it clearly.
“The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming”:
Since the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming, but not the realities themselves, it certainly can not take away sins. “A shadow ” is only an illustration of “the realities themselves”, to show what accomplishments “the realities themselves” will have. However, it is obvious that the shadow itself can not have all the accomplishments of “the realities themselves”. Therefore, if we accept the explanation that the law of the old covenant is the typology of the grace of the new covenant, we shall not have questions about the replacement of the old covenant with the new covenant.
Here, “the law ” is in singular, so is “a shadow ”. It shows that the law of the whole old covenant is a typology; it is not like that some parts are the “shadow” and some parts are not. All kinds of the laws in the old covenant are to let men know that they are sinners deserving death (Rom 7:7-13;3:20); all kinds of offerings are to instruct men to know that they need a redeemer to bear the punishments for their sins (Lev 16:11; Joh 3:29; 1Pe 2:24). However, these laws that make men know their sins and all the “offerings” that make men know that they need a redeemer, are only a shadow of the good things that are coming. They tell people about the accomplishments of the blood of Christ who can truly redeem men’s sins, and also tell people what kind of redeemer they need so that to “make (them) perfect ”.
B. The sacrifices offered according to the law can not make people perfect (10:1latter-2)
Heb 10:1latter-2 For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.
(NOTES)
According to these verses, there are two things that let us know that the sacrifices of the old covenant can not make people perfect.
(a) It is because the sacrifices of the law repeated year after year:
Since the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, it is obvious that what offered every year “were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. ” (9:9). Therefore, the sacrifices are offered continually every year; otherwise, it would have stopped long time ago.
“the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year”:
It shows that here, the author discussed on the basis of the background of the work of high priests on the Day of the Atonement (Lev 16). All the work of the high priest on the Day of Atonement every year, is the typology of the work of redemption by Christ; all the sacrifices are all especially offered for the work of redemption expect those sacrifices being offered on each ordinary day, or every Sabbath day, or the day of New Moon.
(b) It is because the sacrifices of the law cannot truly cleanse people’s conscience:
This sacrifice for sins can not make people no longer feel guilty for their sins. It is obvious that the sacrifices offered in the old covenant, do not really satisfy the requirements of the law and take up all the punishments that men should take, but only an illustration to take up the sins of men. Therefore, men’s conscience can not be set free from the guiltiness though it. On the other hand, the sin offerings in the old covenant can only purify people ceremonially according to the law, but can not practically purify the mind of people. Thus, those who just offered the sacrifices are still filled with all sinful thoughts after that; of course, their conscience can not “no longer have felt guilty for their sins. ”! Therefore, these sacrifices can only wake up the conscience of people and make them understand the necessity of the redemption, but can not purify men’s conscience.
C. The sacrifices offered according to the law can not take away sins (10:3-4)
Heb 10:3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins,
(NOTES)
The sacrifices according to the law not only can not make people perfect, or set the conscience at ease completely. On the contrary, it is an annual reminder of sins. The sacrifices need to be offered every year. This proves that all the sacrifices year after year for sins in the past, do not take away men’s sins. Therefore, the result of the sin offerings is to remind people that they need the redemption, and make people feel that they still need to wait for the perfect redeemer to come.
Heb 10:4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
(NOTES)
“because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. ” :
The bulls and goats are the main sacrifices that the high priest used on the Day of Atonement; which are most valuable among all the sacrifices in the sin offerings. Even so, it still can not “take away sins”. This verse points out the reason that the sin offerings under the law of the old covenant can not make people perfect and clear their conscience, is because the sacrifices offered are not worthy of redeeming people from their sins. The animals without spirit certainly are not worthy of redeeming the precious life of men with spirit; to redeem the precious spirit of men with the lowly bulls and goats, certainly can not satisfy the righteous requirement of God and clear the conscience of men. Therefore, the blood of goats and calves can only be as the “illustration” to make people understand the principle that the blood of Christ redeemed people from their sins; but not to really take away sins. This is obvious and should be understood easily.
(2) Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that is the reality to take away sins (10:5-18)
Since the previous verses have illuminated that the sacrifices of the bulls and goats offered according to the law can not take away sins, the following verses start to talk about directly that the sacrifice of Christ Himself is “the realities themselves” and can take away sins indeed. It is because Christ offered Himself in such a way which not only satisfied the predestined will of God on the redemption, but also accomplished the redemption permanently and surely, after He offered Himself as the sacrifice and sat down at the right hand of God, and opened a new and living way for us. This proves that He is both the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice. Only the new covenant has such a perfect priest and sacrifice; while the old covenant absolutely does not have the same.
A. Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that is in accordance with the will of God (10:5-10)
In these verses, the author cited the words in the Psalms of the Old Testament, to prove that Christ is the “realities themselves”, of which the old covenant is the typology. The people should not suspect that he is not the Savior because of his death on the cross. On the contrary, He offered Himself as the sacrifice to shed blood and die; it is exactly the typology that the old covenant gives, and is in accordance with the will of God proclaimed through the poet.
Heb 10:5-7 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.' "
(NOTES)
These verses are cited from (Psa 40:6,7), but not exactly the same, for what the author cited from is not the Hebrew Bible, but is the Old Testament of the Bible in the Greek version. No matter what, since the Holy Spirit inspired the author of the book of Hebrews to cite it in such a way, it shows that this way of citation by the author is in accordance with the original meaning that the Holy Spirit expressed through the poet; the latter one can be as the “notes” for the former one.
“Therefore”:
shows that this verse continues the previous verse. Since the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming, the sacrifices offered can not cleanse the conscience of men, and the blood of bulls and goats can not take away sins. When Christ came to this world, He can not offer the bulls and goats as the sacrifices to redeem people from sins as the priests under the law did any more, instead, He offered His holy body as the sacrifice to redeem the people from sins.
“when Christ came into the world, he said”:
This verse does not necessarily mean that when Christ was on earth, He said exactly these words that “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me”. This verse means that Christ spoke these words through the poet before; or even though Christ did not say it in words, His life and conducts were the same as these words when He came to this world. It is also possible that Christ cited these words when He was on earth, but it is not recorded in the 4 books of Gospel. According to the books of Gospel, they did record the similar words of Lord, such as in (Mat 9:13; 12:7; Joh 4:34;5:30;6:38;7:16) and so on.
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me”:
Note that the words cited here are a little different from the words in (Psa 40:6). The original words are: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced ”. In verse (Psa 40:6), it is “but my ears you have pierced ”; here, it is “but a body you prepared for me”. It is apparent that “but my ears you have pierced” and “but a body you prepared for me” have the same meaning. According to the regulations in (Exo21:5-6; Deu 15:12-17), in the times of Old Testament, if the salve is willing to be the servant for his life, the master shall pierce his ear with an awl so that he will be his servant for life. Therefore, (Psa 40:6) said that “but my ears you have pierced ”; it indicates that he is willing to be completely obedient to his master all his life. Here, “but a body you prepared for me” has the same meaning as “but my ears you have pierced ”; it is especially to emphasize the fact about Christ that the Word became the flesh. Christ is originally equal to God without the blood and flesh; however, He took the very nature of a servant to become the flesh (Php 2:6-8; Heb 2:14), and tasted the death for everyone. Therefore, God prepared a body for Christ to make Him become flesh. It not only shows the great love of God, but also shows the attitude of Christ’s absolute obedience to the will of God, just as the servant is willing to have his ear pierced to obey the master. In (Psa 40:6), it is “burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require”; here, it is “with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased”. It is apparent that “you did not require” has the same meaning as “you were not pleased with”. Therefore, although the words here cited from the Psalms have a little difference in writing, but have exactly same meaning. Since the author of the Psalms and the author of the book of Hebrews were both inspired by the Holy Spirit, it is obvious that these words have no difference in the meaning and are interchangeable. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit through the author of the Hebrews cited these words with explanation; He explained the meaning of those words in the Palms while doing the citation.
“Then I said, "Here I am, I have come- it is written about me in the scroll. ”:
This verse is cited from (Psa 40:7). Same as the above, although the words are somewhat different, the meanings are the same. This verse talks about Christ from two aspects:
(a) Christ came to do the will of God:
Christ came to this world and offered Himself as the sacrifice. It is not only in accordance with the will of God, but also comes from the will of God. All his life and work on earth are based on the will of God (Joh 3:34;5:30;6:38); such a life according to the will of God can truly satisfy the requirement of God on people to live a holy life, and can please God more than the gifts and sacrifices.
(b) It is written about Christ in the Old Testament:
“it is written about me in the scroll”; the scroll here certainly refers to the scroll of the Old Testament. On the way to Emmaus, Lord talked to two disciples after His resurrection, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luk 24:27). It is obvious that the scripture of the Old Testament predicted the death and resurrection of Christ long time ago. Therefore, the words of the Psalms cited by the author of this book prove that it is not only in accordance with the typology given by the old covenant, but also is in accordance with the predictions of the old covenant, that Christ shed blood to redeem people’s sins and opened a new and living way to God.
Note that, when David said these words, that is a thousand years before the author wrote this book, which is in the times of the law. However, the Holy Spirit had spoken through David that the sacrifices and offerings can not satisfy the will of God -- “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire”. Thus, as to the Christians nowadays in the times of the new covenant, how could they still feel attached to the old covenant which is the “weak and useless” “shadow” that can not take away sins, but not rely on the accomplishments of the better blood of Christ wholeheartedly?
Heb 10:8-10 First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
(NOTES)
These verses are the extended explanation and conclusion of the author inspired by the Holy Spirit on the above words cited from the Psalms. It includes two points:
(a) Since from the citations, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings” are what God “did not desire“, nor pleased God, and then it said that “I have come to do your will”, it is obvious that the sacrifice and offering that please God is that Christ came to this world and offered himself according to the will of God. Therefore, Christ came to this world in such a way, in order to “sets aside the first ” -- sets aside the old covenant and the offerings of the old covenant which can not take away sins, and “to establish the second” -- to establish the new covenant and the effective rule of redemption under the new covenant, that is, the redemption with himself as the sacrifice of the sin offerings.
“sets aside ”: it is also translated as “does away with and annuls”.
“establish”: it is also translated as “inaugurate and establish”.
“the first” and “the second” refer to the old covenant and the new covenant respectively.
(b) Since “sets aside the first to establish the second” is the will of God, by that will-- by this sacrifice without relying on the old covenant, but the effective redemption of the new covenant -- by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, we have been made holy.
“made holy ”:
It indicates that we are made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. The work of being “made holy” was accomplished by Christ already. Therefore, here, “made holy”, does not indicate that the believers spiritually live a holy life by relying on the Holy Spirit, but it is to emphasize the achievements of the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. By the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, we are made holy and get back to God by relying on the achievements of his sacrifices.
“made holy” implies to sanctify. In the last prayer of LORD for the disciples, he said that the disciples “too may be truly sanctified” (Joh 17:19); in (Joh 10:36), it is translated as “consecrated and dedicated and set apart for (God) Himself” (A.M.P.).
B. Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that indeed accomplished the redemption (10:11-18)
Heb 10:11-13 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,
(NOTES)
(a) It is known from “he sat down at the right hand of God”:
In the previous verses, with many comparisons, it has illustrated that Christ is the greater and more perfect high priest. Here, it uses the fact that Christ’s work of redemption as the high priest is more perfect than the work of the priests in men’s world, to prove that his sacrifice of offering himself had accomplished the redemption.
It gives the differences between Christ as the high priest and those priest in men’s world by doing the comparison from 5 viewpoints:
(1) The priests in men’s world “stand” to serve; it shows that they are still at work. Although they offer many sacrifices, they have not finished their work. “stand” also shows that their status is not honorable enough, and they are the servants, but not the masters. However, Christ “sat down at the right hand of God”; it shows that His work of redemption has been finished and His position is incomparably honorable.
(2) The priests in men’s world again and again offer the same sacrifices; however, Christ only offered once for all to accomplish the redemption. Whatever need doing again and again, shows that the previous deeds must not be good and complete enough; whatever is done once for all, it is obvious that one deed is complete and good. Christ offered Himself once for all. It is obvious that one sacrifice had accomplished the work of redemption already.
(3) The priests in men’s world offer the sacrifices in the earthly tabernacle. Although Christ offered himself to die on the cross on earth, He is the high priest at the right hand of God in heaven.
(4) What the sacrifices that the priests in men’s world offered are “the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins”; what Christ offered is “for all time one sacrifice for sins”, and has the permanent achievements to take away sins.
(5) The priests in men’s world offer the sacrifices according to the law. After they finished the ceremonies of offering the sacrifices, they did not defeat the men’s enemy -- the devil. However, when Christ offered himself as the sacrifice, in the meanwhile, He defeated men’s enemy -- the devil (Heb 2:14-15); and also He rose from the dead, overcame the death, and makes those who accept His redemption share in His victory.
“Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool”; it has been mentioned in (1:13) of this book ; the victory that He achieved is the complete victory that more than conqueror.
Heb 10:14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
(NOTES)
(b) It is known from “he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy”:
It is the characteristics of Christ’s work of redemption that “by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy”. From such an accomplishment of offering the sacrifice, it is obvious that He indeed accomplished for all time one sacrifice for sins. Here, the word of “made holy” is the same as verse (10:10) which talks about those who are sanctified and accept His merits of redemption to be saved.
“he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. ”:
Here, “perfect” does not emphasize the work on men’s side, but emphasizes the accomplishments of the redemption on Christ’s side. The accomplishments of His one sacrifice not only made holy those who are in Him through faith, but also “made perfect forever ” who are being made holy. Therefore, “perfect” here, refers to being perfect on status, not on the practice of life. The believers need to trust in Christ always, live in accordance with Holy Spirit, obey all the teachings of LORD, in order to change the status of being made holy to the practice of being holy in the life of reality; make every effort to be one in Christ so that to take hold of the grace and promise.
Heb 10:15-18 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
(NOTES)
(c ) It is known from the testimonies of the Holy Spirit:
These verses are cited from (Jer 31:31-39). These words originally were spoken by the prophet Jeremiah. Here, it points out that they were actually from the Holy Spirit. It is evident that the words spoken by the prophets in the Old Testament were actually from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit have predicted through the prophets in the Old Testament and testified about the new covenant established by the sacrifice of Christ, and proved that His sacrifice indeed accomplished eternal redemption. Here, the author cites the testimonies of the Holy Spirit through Jeremiah from two aspects:
(1) God will put His laws in His people’s hearts, and He will write them on their minds (8:10). As to God’s people in the new covenant, there is the Holy Spirit lives inside them to give them the wisdom and capability and teach them the will of God. It is an active way to take away sins by being obedient to the will of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The new covenant established through the blood of Christ, includes the grace not only on taking away sins passively, but also on doing things pleasing to God actively.
(2) God will remember their sins and lawless acts no more. God will not remember any more the sins of those who receive grace in the new covenant. It proves that the shedding blood and death of Christ had accomplished the redemption of men’s sins, and completely satisfied the requirement of the law of God. And it made their sins be forgiven by God not temporarily, but permanently, and God will remember them no more. Since Christ made their sins be forgiven completely, “there is no longer any sacrifice for sin”.
(3) Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice; that opened a new and living way for us (10:19-25)
A. The blessings that the believers received (10:19-22)
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
(NOTES)
The believers can enter the Most Holy Place with confidence:
“enter the Most Holy Place” implies to commune with God without any separation. The high priest of the Old Testament worships God in the Most Holy Place, but it is only once a year, and he must bring the blood of bulls and goats with him to enter with trembling. However, by the blood of Christ, we can “enter the Most Holy Place” with confidence to commune with God. It is obvious that we who are under the new covenant, by the blood of Christ, can enjoy more spiritual rights than those high priests of the old covenant.
This verse tells us an important fact that as to those in the new covenant, the rules to worship God is completely different from the rules in the system of the old covenant. We are not the same as those in the old covenant, who worship God each time with the visible sacrifices by visible priests. We can come to God by ourselves individually by the one sacrifice of the blood of Christ, without relying on any other in-between priest from men’s world!
“the Most Holy Place” is the place that is only filled up with God and the glory of God. It is a completely holy place which is separated from the secular world, but without any separation with God. The life in the Most Holy Place is a life to be with God and commune with God continually, and is the life that God require us to live.
Heb 10:20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
(NOTES)
There is a new and living way:
This verse shows the reason that we can enter the Most Holy Place with confidence, is because there is a new and living way leading to the Most Holy Place. This “way” has the same meaning as the way in (Joh 14:6) -- “I (Jesus Christ) am the way ”; that is, the way that we can take to approach God. Here, regarding this way to the Most Holy Place, it is:
(1) opened through Christ:
Only He can open this way. It is because only He has such effective blood that can introduce us in front of God: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Act 4:12)
(2) opened for us:
That is, it is opened for the sinners who should be destroyed, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. ” (1Ti 1:15) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” (Joh 3:16)
(3) opened already:
This way to God, is not still closed; or is in the process to open; but it has been opened already. Whoever comes to God by Him can come right now (Heb 7:25; 2Co 6:2).
(4) the only way:
He only opened one road for us; and there is no other way. This way is Christ Himself. All the other ways except this one lead to destruction. But the only way that leads to life is this one (Mat 7:13-14).
(5) a new and living way:
This way is “new”; it is because there is no such a way in the old covenant, but only the new covenant has it. This way is “living”; it is because this way can make those who walk on it gain life and strength; it does not lead them to declination and destruction, but makes those who walk on it become more and more stronger and lead them to the eternal life.
(6) through the curtain:
This “curtain” is the body of LORD. When Christ died, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. ” (Mat 27:51). Therefore, “through the curtain” indicates to go through the fact that Christ shed His blood and offered Himself as the sacrifice.
Ever since the mankind sinned, the life of the flesh became the instrument and slave to sins, and it is the barrier to come to God. Therefore, the apostle Paul called this body as “the body of sin ” (Rom 6:6; 7:24), which is often against God, and does all kinds of sins and evils that do not please God (2Pe 2:10,18; Gal 5:24). However, Christ became the flesh for us by Himself, obeyed the will of God, offered his own body as the sacrifice on the cross, accomplished the eternal redemption, and made our sins be forgiven completely, so that we are able to reconcile to God through Him (Rom 5:1) and come to and commune with God! Therefore, this way through the curtain, is the way that Lord obeyed and gave up himself to death -- the death on the cross. It is because of His obedience to death, this way is opened for us. Therefore, nowadays, those who walk on this way should know that this way is the way to heaven and also the way of obedience, denying oneself and crucifying the old self.
(7) a way to the Most Holy Place:
This way is not only through the curtain, but also leads to the Most Holy Place. Christ not only died for us, but also rose from the dead and ascent heaven for us. Not only He opened the way for us, but also opened the way directly to the almighty God. Since we have this new and living way to enter the Most Holy Place, we should make good use of this opportunity to come to God, pray to Him and worship Him.
Heb 10:21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
(NOTES)
There is a great priest over the house of God:
In this verse, “a great priest” refers to Christ who ascent the heaven and sits at the right hand of the throne of God, who is our mediator in heaven. “the house of God” refers to us, the church is the house of God (1Ti 3:15). This great priest in heaven, not only is as our mediator in heaven, but also is over the house of God on earth, and as the dead of the church (Col 1:18). Therefore, this verse includes Christ’s work both in heaven and on earth. He opened a new and living way for us, so that we can come to God, and at the same time, enter the house of God. He not only leads us before God, but also in the house of God, manages us, takes care of us and protects us.
“over” means “rules over”.
Heb 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
(NOTES)
Having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience:
Comparing with the verses of (9:13,14): “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! ” It shows that this verse here includes the meaning in verses (9:13,14). In (9:13,14), it is a rhetorical question, and proves that the blood of Christ is more effective that the blood of bulls and goats; while here, it is in a straightforward mood, and shows the work that Christ had accomplished for us. Therefore, here, the word of “sprinkled” in “having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience ” and in (9:13) “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean ” have the same meaning. Both mean to sprinkle the blood on people to take away sins. However, the blood of bulls and goats of the old covenant is only sprinkled on people to take away sins outwardly; while the blood of Christ in the new covenant is sprinkled on the mind of people and cleanses us from a guilty conscience, so that we can come to God with clear conscience and get the true rest.
“having our bodies washed with pure water. ” and the verse (9:13) “sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean” have the similar meaning. The high priest uses the ashes of a red heifer to make the water of cleansing. Whoever touches unclean things (such as the dead body or a grave), will be purified by the water of cleansing being sprinkled on him(Num 19). The uncleanness because of touching the dead body is the outward uncleanness, which is different from the impurity of the sinful mind; therefore, it is not cleansed with the blood of the sacrifice, but with the water of cleansing. Here, “having our bodies washed with pure water. ” can not be comprehended literally. “washed with pure water”; it indicates that the Holy Spirit though the words of God purifies the believers (Eph 5:26; Joh 13:1-11). Christ not only cleanses us from a guilty conscience so that we can be the children of God without being shamed, and call “Abba, Father” (Gal 4:5-6); but also He often through His Spirit and His words to prune us and to make us clean.
B. The duties that the believers should fulfill (10:22-25)
Heb 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
(NOTES)
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith:
“a sincere heart ”, that is “a unfeigned heart”. We come to God with a unfeigned and pure heart. God search the heart and examine the mind, therefore, whoever worships Him must worship in spirit and in truth (Jer 17:9-10; Joh 4:24). Although the blood of Christ can make us enjoy so much precious blessings and directly come to God, if one does not have a sincere and unselfish mind to rely on Him, all the blessings accomplished by Christ have nothing to do with them. All the fake faith and religious habits are worthless in front of the true God.
Draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith:
Those who have their hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from a guilty conscience, are certainly have faith. However, when we draw near to God, we should not only have faith, but also should have the faith in full assurance; for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). Thus, those who have faith in full assurance, must get the joy in full assurance from God. The words in ( Rom 4:17-22) regarding the faith of Abraham are the best footnotes of “in full assurance of faith”: “He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. … Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ”
“draw near to God ”; how much faith we have, so much close to God we shall be.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
(NOTES)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess:
“hold unswervingly to”: it is also translated as “hold fast and retain without wavering ”; or “hold fast …without wavering”.
“the hope we profess”:
It is because the faith we profess is living with hope; what we believe in are what we hope. We know that the blood of Christ had accomplished the redemption for us with such a great accomplishment -- make our sins be forgiven completely and can come to God with confidence. These words are especially helpful to those Hebrew believers whose faith were “swerved and wavered” by the old religion.
“for he who promised is faithful.”:
This verse complements the reason that we should hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. Since the promise of our God is faithful, thus, our hope by relying on His promise will not come to nothing. Therefore, we should hold on to it firmly, and should not swerve or waver because of the persecution or the present circumstance. This verse tells us that:
(1) Our faith and hope should be on the basis of the promise of God.
(2) God give precious promise to those who trust in Him.
(3) God who gives us the promise is faithful.
(4) We should hold fast to the hope that this faithful God promised and be unswerving in His promise.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
(NOTES)
Let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds:
Both “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” and “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” concern the individually spiritual life. However, this verse talks about the spiritual life with each other. Since each individual has the firm and correct faith, we should “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. It is because we are not only trust in Christ individually, but also are one in Christ and in the unity of one body (Gal 3:28; 1Co 12:12-13); and are connected with each other. The success or failure of each individual on the faith, will not only affect oneself, but also will affect the testimony of all (1Co 12:26). Therefore, we have the responsibility to spur one another on toward love.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ”:
It is also translated as “And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,” (A.M.P.). “consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another” can “stir up to love ”; the love being stir up can stimulate “helpful deeds and noble activities”; the helpful deeds will increase the cares to one another. We should encourage and help one another to do what is good and righteous, and lead others to LORD. To do good deeds is the will of God for our Christians:
“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10)
“So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. ” (1Pe 4:19)
“For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” (1Pe 2:15)
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. ” (Jam 4:17)
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ” (1Ti 6:18-19)
Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
(NOTES)
Let us not give up meeting together:
As to the Hebrew believers at that time, some of them shrank back spiritually, and swerved in their faith because of the persecution from the Jewish synagogues. They gave up meeting together in their own church, but went to the Jewish synagogues. Therefore, the author encouraged them not to give up meeting together. This verse also applies to the believers nowadays. Those who shrank beck in faith usually started from giving up meeting together in their own church. Therefore, the Bible commands that “Let us not give up meeting together”.
“as some are in the habit of doing”:
If one gives up meeting together occasionally, he will gradually become those who are in the habit of doing so. Those who are used to giving up the gathering, will take it as the habit to stop meeting together. As to one who never gives up meeting together, if he stop gathering for the first time, he will be rebuked severely by his conscience; however, if he forms the habit, he will completely lose his godly heart before and does not care about it at all, just as those who live a secular life and become senseless and go to the failure and falling eventually.
Giving up meeting together, not only will hurt one’s own spiritual life, but also will set up bad examples for others and become the precedents for those weak members. Not only we should not give up meeting together, but also should not be influenced by those who stop gathering and learn their ungodly conducts and set the mind at ease to give up gathering at wills.
“but let us encourage one another”:
This verse has the similar meaning with (3:13) “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today”. Here, we can see the connection of “meeting together” and to “encourage one another”. “meeting together” can promote our life of encouraging one another. When we meet together, we not only can share with each other the reminders of the words of God, but also can often meet together under the feet of LORD so that to get closer to each other spiritually and encourage each other. To “encourage one another ” can avoid the danger of giving up meeting together so that those who give up meeting together occasionally won’t continue to do so.
If the believers give up meeting together, they gradually contact less with the church and can’t receive the encouragements from the brothers and sisters. They will be isolated spiritually and start to fail. Before the devil makes a believer fall completely, will make him drift apart from the church first and be lonely among those unbelievers so that he will be entangled easily in the net of the sins and evils.
“and all the more as you see the Day approaching”:
Here, “the Day” refers to the day of the Second Coming of LORD. The biggest reason that Christians should take care of and encourage each other is to wait for the Second Coming of LORD. Here, it points out that the day of the Second Coming of LORD is approaching; therefore, we should encourage each other. And all the sufferings and crisis in the circumstances in this world all point to the approaching of the Day of the Second Coming of LORD with each passing day.
Reference:
1. Zhongdao Chen: “The Lectures on the Bible Studying of the Letters in New Testament”.
