Hebrews 10:1-18
A Superior Sacrifice Compared to all Others (v.1)
The author of Hebrews is not discounting the Old Covenant, it in fact was and still is necessary for us to see our need for Christ! In verse 1 we see a clear picture that the Old Covenant sacrifices were a shadow of what was to come. The phrase continually offered every year meant they’d have to do another sacrifice on the Day of Atonement the following year. Christ is the final sacrifice and everything else pales in comparison to all other sacrifices!
A Sacrifice Cleansing all Sins (vv.2-4)
The sacrifices atoned for sin, but were a reminder that the sacrifices had to continually happen in order to cleanse a person for sin. The sacrifice of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice requires no additional sacrifices, if you’ve placed faith in Christ, He has cleansed your sins!
A Sacrifice Ceasing all Others (vv.5-10)
The author quotes Psalm 40:6-8 in verses 5-7. Jesus came into this world to do the will of God the Father. The word “sanctified” used in verse 10, means to make holy, to be set apart from sin for God. When Christ fulfilled the will of the Father, He provided a permanent condition of holiness, ceasing the need for other sacrifices. 1 Thess 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”
A Sacrifice Constructing Perfection (vv.11-14)
Philippians 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
The word “perfect” is used throughout the book of Hebrews to mean salvation. Only through Christ is salvation possible and made perfect.
A Sacrifice Concluding in Our Forgiveness (vv.15-18)
The author of Hebrews is again quoting Jeremiah 31:31-34 in verses 16-17. I used the word concluding for this point because it clearly displays verse 18. The phrase “there is no longer any offering for sin” means that the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus is the final and full payment for the forgiveness of sin.
Here’s what I want you to walk away with today:
- 1. Jesus paid for your sin “once for all time”, if you have never placed faith in Him, do so today!
- 2. You cannot do enough good deeds to obtain salvation, it must be through the sacrifice of Jesus. You simply place faith in Him. 3. How do you know if you’ve placed faith in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus? He is sanctifying you! You are growing and maturing in your faith in Christ! You cannot lose your salvation, but proof that you’re saved is that your growing in Jesus.