Hebrews 10: Relationship with God through Christ
If annual sacrifices did not make worshipers perfect, what did it do for them?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Hebrews 10:1 The Law was just a model of what was to come, not the real thing. So the sacrifices that the High Priest offered every year could not make worshipers perfect.
King James
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
What steps are necessary to eliminate guilt?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Hebrews 10:2–3 If they had brought complete cleansing and a change of our desires, worshipers wouldn’t have felt guilty and had to keep making sacrifices, which reminded them of their sins every year.
King James
Hebrews 10:2–3 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
What was different about Jesus’ blood, that it would take away sin, but the blood of animals would not?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Hebrews 10:4–5 The blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. That’s why, when he came to Earth, Jesus said to God, “You weren’t interested in sacrifices and offerings, so you prepared my body for sacrifice.”
King James
Hebrews 10:4–5 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
If God isn’t interested in sacrifices, what does he want?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Philippians 2:13 The power of God is at work in you to accomplish his purpose and make you his great delight.
Hebrews 10:6–10 “Those burnt offerings didn’t satisfy your desire for people to live without sin. So then I pointed to what was written in Scripture: Look, I have come to do your will, O God.” He said God didn’t want people’s burnt offerings and sacrifices, that God found no pleasure in them, but that’s what the Law required. When he said, “Look, I have come to do your will, O God,” he was taking away the first agreement to establish the second. God wanted us to be clean, able to enjoy a close relationship with him, which was possible only through the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 4:11 O Lord, creator of all things, you are worthy of all honor, power, and glory, because everything that exists was created for your good purpose.
King James
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Hebrews 10:6–10 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Why is the new agreement so much better than the old?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Hebrews 10:11–13 The priests who stand in the Temple, offering the same sacrifices day after day, are not taking away sins. But our High Priest sacrificed himself once to take away our sins forever. Then he took his place of highest authority, power, and honor before God, awaiting the day when his enemies will all be made subject to him.
King James
Hebrews 10:11–13 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
How is it possible for any person on Earth to live without sin?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Galatians 5:16 Let me make this perfectly clear: if you listen to God’s Spirit within, you will seek to please him and to benefit others, not to satisfy your selfish desires.
Hebrews 10:14–17 By that one sacrifice, everyone can become like him, perfect and without sin, confirming what the Holy Spirit had spoken through the prophets. The Lord says, “After those days, I will make a new agreement with the people of Israel. I will write my laws in their innermost being, upon their hearts and minds. I will forgive their sinful nature and forget their wrongdoing”
1 John 3:8–9 Those who do what is wrong when they know what is right are like Satan, who did that in the beginning. The Son of God was revealed to change our desires and destroy what Satan started. If you really are God’s children, then you have his nature and cannot sin.
King James
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Hebrews 10:14–17 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
1 John 3:8–9 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
A pardoned criminal is not exempt from prosecution for future crimes. What is the danger for Christians who have been pardoned but continue in sin?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Galatians 5:19–21 Your self-serving nature can lead you to such things as infidelity, pornography, and other sexual impurity—contentions, anger, and resentment—false doctrines, psychics, and misplaced worship—envy, jealousy, and preying upon others—alcohol, drugs, and mindless partying. As I’ve said before, don’t think for a second that you can do such things and have any place in the Kingdom of God.
Hebrews 10:18 When transgressions have been pardoned, sacrifices are no longer needed.
Hebrews 10:26–29 If people continue to sin after learning the truth, no further sacrifice is left for them, so they will face God’s wrath, a raging fire that will consume his adversaries. People who rejected the Law of Moses received a merciless death sentence from the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much greater do you think the punishment will be if you trample on God’s son by regarding his sacrifice as something common and unclean, insulting the Holy Spirit who shows us mercy?
King James
Galatians 5:19–21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Hebrews 10:26–29 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
How does the blood of Jesus make it possible for us to live in God’s presence?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Hebrews 10:19–22 Therefore, my friends, the blood of Jesus makes it possible for us to boldly enter the Holy of Holies, his sacrifice opening a new way to life, taking us beyond the veil that separated us from God. With a High Priest ruling over God’s household, we can approach God with complete confidence, our hearts cleansed from all guilt and shame, our bodies bathed in pure water.
King James
Hebrews 10:19–22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
How important is the sharing of our faith in Jesus Christ?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 10:32–33 “If anyone publicly acknowledges me before men, I will publicly acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven. “But anyone who denies me before men I will deny before my Father in Heaven.
Hebrews 10:23 Be strong and unwavering as you share your faith in Jesus Christ, for you can trust God to keep his promises.
Revelation 12:10–11 A loud voice from Heaven shouted, “Salvation and power has come through God’s dominion and Christ’s authority. Satan, who has been accusing the people day and night, is now cast down. The people have overcome Satan by the sacrifice of the Lamb, by giving their testimonies, and by complete surrender to God’s will, even unto death.”
King James
Matthew 10:32–33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Revelation 12:10–11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
What is the most effective way to encourage others to do acts of kindness? What is least effective?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, you should let your kindness shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 7:12 “Do what you would have others do to you, for this is the intent of everything taught in the Law and the prophets.”
John 13:15 “I have given you an example, so you should do for others as I have done for you.”
Hebrews 10:24 Look for ways to motivate people to do acts of kindness, always showing love.
King James
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
The highly respected religious Pharisees condemned Jesus for gathering with sinners. What criteria should we use to determine who we keep company with?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 5:15–16 “People do not light a lamp and hide it under a bowl. It is placed on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, you should let your kindness shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
1 Corinthians 5:10–11 I didn’t mean you had to avoid all contact with promiscuous, greedy, cheating, or idolatrous people, because then you’d have to live somewhere outside of this world. I was saying you shouldn’t be hanging out with such people. Don’t be going out to eat and having fun with the abusive drunkard.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Don’t share goals with unbelievers, thinking you have much in common. How can righteousness partner with evil? Can the light coexist with the darkness?
Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with those who live in darkness and do evil, but shine the light on them.
Hebrews 10:25 Don’t be like some who fail to regularly meet together. Encourage one another more and more as the day of the Lord’s return approaches.
King James
Matthew 5:15–16 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 5:10–11 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
How is it that God will take vengeance but those who are made in his image should not?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 5:38–39 “You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,’ but I say you should not try to get even. If people slap you on the cheek, do not retaliate, but allow them to slap the other cheek.”
Hebrews 10:30 For we know our God has said, “Vengeance is my right, not yours. I will determine the punishment.” And also, “The Lord will judge his people.”
King James
Matthew 5:38–39 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
When is God’s judgment a benefit and when is it a curse?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 25:21 ” ‘Great job!’ the man said. ‘You are a good, trustworthy servant. Because you have been faithful with a little, I will now make you responsible for much more. Let’s celebrate together.’ “
1 Corinthians 4:4–5 Although my conscience is clear, I lack the knowledge to judge myself. Only the Lord has the ability to judge my motives and my work. Judging now, before the Lord returns, can’t be accurate, but he will bring to light what was hidden in the darkness. Because he judges the thoughts and intent of our hearts, we will receive the appropriate commendations.
Hebrews 10:31 Under these circumstances, falling into the hands of the living God is a terrible thing.
King James
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
1 Corinthians 4:4–5 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
How important is our perception of God’s rewards?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
1 Corinthians 9:17 If I followed a self-serving initiative, what I have on Earth is all the reward I would get. By making myself a slave to whatever God wants, I reap a greater benefit.
Colossians 3:23–24 Whatever you do for people, give your best effort to please the Lord, knowing that the greatest reward comes from serving him.
Hebrews 10:31 Under these circumstances, falling into the hands of the living God is a terrible thing.
King James
1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
Colossians 3:23–24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
What is the antidote for impatience?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 8:25 If we continue to hope for what we do not yet have, then we will patiently persevere.
Romans 15:4 The scriptures were written to guide us, to give us patience and confidence that God’s promises will be fulfilled.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 So what is our source of hope and gladness, our greatest reason to rejoice? It is knowing you will live in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes,
Hebrews 10:36 We can be thankful for delays that bring patience, because endurance is essential for receiving God’s promise.
King James
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For two thousand years, believers have anticipated the coming of Christ. Why might we think that day will come in our lifetime?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 24:36 “No one knows the exact date and time, not even the angels in Heaven. Only the Father knows.”
Matthew 25:13 “Likewise, you should always be prepared, because you do not know when the Son of Man will come.”
Hebrews 10:37 Before long, Jesus will come. He won’t procrastinate.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn’t slow in keeping his promise, not like some people think. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, giving time for everyone to repent.
King James
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Why do people trust their own abilities and resources?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
Isaiah 31:1 Those who go to Egypt for help are in big trouble. Their mighty army with its horses and chariots won’t save you. They don’t seek the Lord or trust the Holy One of Israel.
Philippians 4:12–13 I have lived in poverty and prosperity. I have gone hungry and at other times have feasted. I know what it’s like, both to abound and to suffer desperate needs. In all situations, no matter how little or how much I have, I must depend on Christ for my strength and guidance.
Hebrews 10:39 We are not like those who want their own way, which seems right to them but the end is death. We are among the believers, who trust God’s way even when we don’t know what it is, which saves us from death.
King James
Isaiah 31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord!
Philippians 4:12–13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
How can we trust what we cannot see?
Author’s Thoughts
Author’s Insights Pending
Author’s Paraphrase
John 20:29 “Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me, yet believe.”
1 Timothy 3:16 Without a doubt, how to be God-like was a great mystery until we saw him in the person of Jesus Christ, who was God in human flesh, perfect in spirit, seen of angels. A messenger to those who didn’t know God, he was believed by many in the world, and then he ascended into glory.
Hebrews 10:39 We are not like those who want their own way, which seems right to them but the end is death. We are among the believers, who trust God’s way even when we don’t know what it is, which saves us from death.
King James
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.