Heb 10 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-10 The apostle having shown that the tabernacle, and ordinances of the covenant of Sinai, were only emblems and types of the gospel, concludes that the sacrifices the high priests offered continually, could not make the worshippers perfect, with respect to pardon, and the purifying of their consciences. But when "God manifested in the flesh," became the sacrifice, and his death upon the accursed tree the ransom, then the Sufferer being of infinite worth, his free-will sufferings were of infinite value. The atoning sacrifice must be one capable of consenting, and must of his own will place himself in the sinner's stead: Christ did so. The fountain of all that Christ has done for his people, is the sovereign will and grace of God. The righteousness brought in, and the sacrifice once offered by Christ, are of eternal power, and his salvation shall never be done away. They are of power to make all the comers thereunto perfect; they derive from the atoning blood, strength and motives for obedience, and inward comfort.

‏ Hebrews 10

* The insufficiency of sacrifices for taking away sin, The

necessity and power of the sacrifice of Christ for that purpose.

(1-18) An argument for holy boldness in the believer's access to

God through Jesus Christ, And for steadfastness in faith, and

mutual love and duty. (19-25) The danger of apostacy. (26-31)

The sufferings of believers, and encouragement to maintain their

holy profession. (32-39)

1-10 The apostle having shown that the tabernacle, and

ordinances of the covenant of Sinai, were only emblems and types

of the gospel, concludes that the sacrifices the high priests

offered continually, could not make the worshippers perfect,

with respect to pardon, and the purifying of their consciences.

But when "God manifested in the flesh," became the sacrifice,

and his death upon the accursed tree the ransom, then the

Sufferer being of infinite worth, his free-will sufferings were

of infinite value. The atoning sacrifice must be one capable of

consenting, and must of his own will place himself in the

sinner's stead: Christ did so. The fountain of all that Christ

has done for his people, is the sovereign will and grace of God.

The righteousness brought in, and the sacrifice once offered by

Christ, are of eternal power, and his salvation shall never be

done away. They are of power to make all the comers thereunto

perfect; they derive from the atoning blood, strength and

motives for obedience, and inward comfort. 11-18 Under the new covenant, or gospel dispensation, full and

final pardon is to be had. This makes a vast difference between

the new covenant and the old one. Under the old, sacrifices must

be often repeated, and after all, only pardon as to this world

was to be obtained by them. Under the new, one Sacrifice is

enough to procure for all nations and ages, spiritual pardon, or

being freed from punishment in the world to come. Well might

this be called a new covenant. Let none suppose that human

inventions can avail those who put them in the place of the

sacrifice of the Son of God. What then remains, but that we seek

an interest in this Sacrifice by faith; and the seal of it to

our souls, by the sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience?

So that by the law being written in our hearts, we may know that

we are justified, and that God will no more remember our sins. 19-25 The apostle having closed the first part of the epistle,

the doctrine is applied to practical purposes. As believers had

an open way to the presence of God, it became them to use this

privilege. The way and means by which Christians enjoy such

privileges, is by the blood of Jesus, by the merit of that blood

which he offered up as an atoning sacrifice. The agreement of

infinite holiness with pardoning mercy, was not clearly

understood till the human nature of Christ, the Son of God, was

wounded and bruised for our sins. Our way to heaven is by a

crucified Saviour; his death is to us the way of life, and to

those who believe this, he will be precious. They must draw near

to God; it would be contempt of Christ, still to keep at a

distance. Their bodies were to be washed with pure water,

alluding to the cleansings directed under the law: thus the use

of water in baptism, was to remind Christians that their conduct

should be pure and holy. While they derived comfort and grace

from their reconciled Father to their own souls, they would

adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Believers

are to consider how they can be of service to each other,

especially stirring up each other to the more vigorous and

abundant exercise of love, and the practice of good works. The

communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a means

of stedfastness and perseverance. We should observe the coming

of times of trial, and be thereby quickened to greater

diligence. There is a trying day coming on all men, the day of

our death. 26-31 The exhortations against apostacy and to perseverance,

are urged by many strong reasons. The sin here mentioned is a

total and final falling away, when men, with a full and fixed

will and resolution, despise and reject Christ, the only

Saviour; despise and resist the Spirit, the only Sanctifier; and

despise and renounce the gospel, the only way of salvation, and

the words of eternal life. Of this destruction God gives some

notorious sinners, while on earth, a fearful foreboding in their

consciences, with despair of being able to endure or to escape

it. But what punishment can be sorer than to die without mercy?

We answer, to die by mercy, by the mercy and grace which they

have despised. How dreadful is the case, when not only the

justice of God, but his abused grace and mercy call for

vengeance! All this does not in the least mean that any souls

who sorrow for sin will be shut out from mercy, or that any will

be refused the benefit of Christ's sacrifice, who are willing to

accept these blessings. Him that cometh unto Christ, he will in

no wise cast out. 32-39 Many and various afflictions united against the early

Christians, and they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit

is not a selfish spirit; it puts us upon pitying others,

visiting them, helping them, and pleading for them. All things

here are but shadows. The happiness of the saints in heaven will

last for ever; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods.

This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here.

The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in

promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be

content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their

reward till God's time to give it is come. He will soon come to

them at death, to end all their sufferings, and to give them a

crown of life. The Christian's present conflict may be sharp,

but will be soon over. God never is pleased with the formal

profession and outward duties and services of such as do not

persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure. And those

who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past,

have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to

live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and

patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith,

and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever.