Hebrews 9:1-10:18
Introduction:
1. Last week, we saw the insufficiency of the Old Covenant to take away sin.
2. This week, we see the underlying reason this was so, its insufficient sacrifices.
3. In Christ’s sacrifice, the worshipper is perfected as atonement is secured.
Discussion:
I. Earthly Versus Heavenly Service (9:1-14)
A. The earthly tabernacle and its service implied separation, not reconciliation (9:1-8).
1. Even the high priest was not perfected (9:7).
2. The true Most Holy Place was inaccessible in that system (9:3, 8).
B. The services were merely symbolic and only good for temporal realities (9:9-10; 10:1-4).
C. Christ brought the good things foreshadowed:
1. With a greater, heavenly tabernacle (9:11).
2. With a greater sacrifice that granted what animal sacrifices could not:
a. Access to the true, heavenly Most Holy Place (9:8, 12, 24; 6:19-20).
b. Eternal redemption (9:12; 26; Daniel 9:24).
c. A cleansed conscience enabling us to serve God (9:13-14; Romans 6:17-22).
II. The Necessity of Sacrifice (9:15-22)
A. The sacrificial system taught humanity a valuable lesson about sin.
B. The blood scarcely ceased flowing at the tabernacle/temple (9:6-7; 10:1-4).
C. The law was given to highlight the sinfulness of sin (Romans 3:20; 7:7, 13; Galatians 3:19).
D. Both Covenants were ratified with blood (9:15-17, 18-22; cf. Matthew 26:27-28; Exodus 24:3-8).
E. But the forgiveness of sin under both was secured by Christ’s blood (9:15-17, 26; 10:10).
III. Christ’s Once for All Sacrifice (9:23-10:10)
A. The former ordinances and services were described as mere copies of the heavenly realities (9:9-10, 23; 10:1; Colossians 2:16-17).
B. This necessitated the heavenly realities be cleansed with better sacrifices.
C. His sacrifice fully removes sin from those who come to God through Him (9:24-28; 10:10).
D. The great news is that, for those who eagerly await Him, He will return to save them (9:28).
IV. Our Once for All Perfection (10:11-18)
A. Though not in the way Calvin taught, the purification of the saint is forever.
B. There is no need to offer continual sacrifices as His sacrifice is forever effective (10:11-14).
C. The condition is continually yielding to Him to be sanctified (10:14; 7:24-25; 1 John 1:5-10).
D. Again, Jeremiah 31:31-34 is invoked to urge the Hebrew Christians to stand fast (10:16-18).
Conclusion:
1. With all we have seen of Christ’s supremacy to Moses’ Law already, it is remarkable the letter continues the arguments, but there is so much more ahead.
2. The sacrifice of Christ is the core of the entire scheme of redemption, so it is little wonder it occupies the central place in the letter.
3. All His are called to hold fast their profession until the end (3:6, 14; 4:14; 10:23).
4. By now, the thought of turning from Him should be altogether baffling.
Further Food for Thought
1. How does this focus on the necessity of blood for our purification strike you?
2. How does it impact your view of sin in your life?
3. Does it intensify your appreciation for the price paid for your sanctification?
4. How may we use this to build one another up and reach out to others?