March 1, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 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.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 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:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 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;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 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;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 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.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
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.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 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?
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.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Hebrews Chapter 10 is a central chapter in the New Testament that highlights the superiority of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrifices. The author emphasizes that the Law was only a shadow of the good things to come and could not bring complete redemption. However, through Christ’s once-and-for-all perfect sacrifice, eternal salvation was made available to believers.
The chapter contains a strong encouragement to remain steadfast in faith, along with a serious warning against deliberately turning away from the truth. It concludes with a call to trust, patience, and perseverance in faith.
Commentary
1.The Imperfection of the Law and the Perfection of Christ’s Sacrifice (Verses 1–18)
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The Law, with its annual sacrifices, could not completely remove sins (Verses 1–4).
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Christ came to fulfill God’s will by replacing the imperfect sacrificial system with His perfect sacrifice (Verses 5–10).
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While earthly priests had to offer daily sacrifices, Christ secured eternal redemption through His one-time offering (Verses 11–14).
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The forgiveness of sins through Christ means that no further sacrifices are needed (Verses 15–18).
2.The Confession of Hope and the Call to Steadfastness (Verses 19–25)
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Through Jesus’ blood, believers have free access to God (Verses 19–21).
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They are encouraged to draw near with sincere hearts, to hold fast to hope, and to encourage one another in love and good works (Verses 22–24).
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The gathering of believers should not be neglected, especially in light of Christ’s imminent return (Verse 25).
3.Warning Against Willful Sin and Apostasy (Verses 26–31)
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Those who deliberately sin after knowing the truth can expect no further sacrifice but only God’s judgment (Verses 26–27).
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The Law of Moses carried severe punishments; even more so will those be judged who trample on Christ’s sacrifice (Verses 28–29).
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The justice and judgment of God are emphasized: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Verses 30–31).
4.Encouragement to Patience and Faith (Verses 32–39)
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The author reminds the believers of past times of suffering and their perseverance in faith (Verses 32–34).
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They are urged not to throw away their confidence but to patiently wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises (Verses 35–36).
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The chapter concludes with a quotation from Habakkuk 2:3–4: “The righteous shall live by faith” (Verses 37–38).
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Believers are encouraged not to shrink back but to remain in faith and thereby save their souls (Verse 39).
Summary
Hebrews 10 emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice over the incomplete sacrificial system of the Old Covenant. While the Law was only a shadow of the coming redemption, Christ’s death brought complete forgiveness.
Believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, hold fast to the confession of hope, and motivate one another toward love and good works. At the same time, the passage sternly warns against deliberately turning away from Christ, as no further sacrifice remains—only God’s judgment.
The chapter concludes with a call to patience and faithfulness, reminding believers of the reward that awaits those who persevere in hope. “The righteous shall live by faith.”
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 6 shows us the path from the awakening of the conscience to the acceptance of divine gifts of grace. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we recognize the destructive power and misery of sin, which separates us from God. This realization arouses in us a deep desire for forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom—yet we cannot obtain these graces through our own efforts, but only through steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, who bestows them upon us as a free gift from God.
Commentary
1.Awakening of the Conscience and Recognition of Sinfulness
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Stirring by the Holy Spirit:
The conscience is awakened by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perceive the malice, power, guilt, and misery of sin.
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Realization of Separation:
We come to understand that sin has separated us from God and that we ourselves are trapped in a state of helplessness and selfishness.
2.God’s Gifts of Grace and Promises
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Free Gift of Grace:
God offers us forgiveness, cleansing, peace, and love as gifts of grace—things that cannot be bought with money or human wisdom (see Isaiah 55:1).
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Biblical Promises:
Promises such as “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) show that God is able to free us from our sinfulness.
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Jesus as an Example:
Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:6) demonstrates that faith in His words and miracles brings immediate deliverance and healing.
3.Faith and Acceptance of the Divine Promise
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Necessity of Faith:
The text calls us to confess our sins and yield ourselves to God. Only through steadfast faith, not through feelings, can we receive God’s promises.
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Daily Surrender:
It is emphasized that we should daily acknowledge our belonging to Christ and live in His Spirit, thus remaining continually in His grace and mercy.
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Condition of Prayer:
Our requests must be in harmony with God’s will, who wants to cleanse us of our failings and make us His children.
4.The Universal Power of Grace
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Unlimited Forgiveness:
No one is so sinful that they cannot be touched by God’s infinite mercy. God wants to fill us with His blessings—strength, righteousness, and purity.
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The Father-Heart of God:
God’s love is so great that He has accepted us even in our weakness. His immeasurable love and mercy express His eternal desire to redeem and renew us.
Summary
Chapter 6, “Faith and Acceptance,” calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and awaken within ourselves a deep longing for divine forgiveness and renewal. It stresses that we cannot achieve sanctification through our own power, but that God’s grace—given freely through Jesus Christ—covers all our shortcomings. By confessing our sins and holding firmly to faith in Jesus’ words and miracles, we become children of God who live in His Spirit and are healed by His mercy. Ultimately, it is unwavering faith and daily surrender that lead us into the fullness of God’s blessings and empower us to live a renewed, holy life.
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