Hebrews 10 continues the powerful message of the previous chapters, emphasizing the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice and urging us to hold on to our faith with confidence. This chapter reassures us that we no longer need to rely on the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant because Jesus has accomplished what those sacrifices could never do—complete and lasting forgiveness for our sins.
The chapter begins by explaining that the law was only a shadow of the good things to come, not the actual reality. The sacrifices offered year after year could never make the worshippers perfect. If they could, those sacrifices would have ceased, and people would no longer have been conscious of their sins. Instead, those offerings served as a reminder of sin because it was impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. This truth shows us that while the old covenant played an important role in guiding God's people, it was always pointing forward to something greater.
Jesus came to do what the sacrifices of the law could not—He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all. The passage reminds us of what Jesus said: "Sacrifices and offerings you didn’t desire, but you prepared a body for me." This highlights that God was never ultimately pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings, but He desired obedience and a heart devoted to Him. Jesus fulfilled this by offering Himself in full obedience to God's will. Through His sacrifice, He set aside the first covenant to establish the second—bringing us into a new and better relationship with God.
Unlike the priests who stood daily in the temple, offering the same sacrifices over and over, Jesus, after offering Himself once for sins, sat down at the right hand of God. This act of sitting down is significant—it means that His work is finished. The priests never sat because their work was never done, but Jesus' single sacrifice was so complete that no further offering for sin is needed. Through Him, we are sanctified, made holy, and perfected forever.
This truth gives us incredible assurance. The Holy Spirit Himself testifies to us about this, reminding us of God's promise: "I will remember their sins and iniquities no more." Because of Jesus, there is no longer any offering required for sin. Our sins are not just temporarily covered but completely forgiven and removed. This means we do not have to live in guilt or fear, trying to earn our way back into God's favor. Instead, we can rest in the finished work of Christ.
With this confidence, we are encouraged to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. Our hearts are sprinkled clean, and our bodies washed with pure water. This imagery reminds us that through Jesus, we are made completely pure before God. We are no longer distant from Him but invited into His presence boldly and without hesitation.
The writer urges us to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering," because God is faithful. In a world that often shakes our confidence, this is a powerful reminder. Our faith is not based on our own strength or ability but on the unchanging faithfulness of God. He has promised salvation, and He will fulfill it.
We are also encouraged to consider one another and to stir each other up to love and good works. This highlights the importance of community in our faith journey. We are not meant to walk alone, but to encourage and strengthen one another, especially as we see the Day of Christ approaching. The warning against neglecting to meet together reminds us that fellowship with other believers is essential. It helps us stay strong in faith and remain encouraged in difficult times.
A solemn warning follows, reminding us of the danger of willfully continuing in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth. If we turn away from Christ, there is no other sacrifice for sins—only the fearful expectation of judgment. The chapter points back to the law of Moses, where those who rejected it faced death. How much more serious is it, then, to reject the Son of God? The passage warns against treating the blood of the covenant as unholy or insulting the Spirit of grace. This is a call to take our faith seriously, to honor Christ’s sacrifice, and to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for His grace.
Despite this warning, we are reminded of the faithfulness of those who endured hardships for the sake of Christ. The writer calls us to remember the times when we stood firm in suffering, when we had compassion for those in need, and when we joyfully accepted the loss of earthly possessions, knowing that we have a greater and lasting treasure in heaven. This encouragement reminds us that any suffering we face now is temporary compared to the eternal reward that awaits us.
The chapter concludes with a powerful exhortation: "Don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward." We need endurance so that after doing God’s will, we will receive what He has promised. Quoting from Scripture, the writer assures us that Jesus will return, and the righteous will live by faith. But if anyone shrinks back, God takes no pleasure in them. However, the final words are filled with hope—we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
This chapter challenges us to live with confidence in Christ’s finished work, to hold on to our hope, to encourage one another, and to persevere in faith. Jesus' sacrifice has secured our salvation, and nothing else is needed. We can now live in the freedom of complete forgiveness, approaching God without fear and encouraging each other to remain faithful. Even in trials, we know our reward is coming, and by faith, we press on, trusting in the One who has already won the victory for us.