Bible Studies

Hebrews Lesson 11

by Thomas Kirkpatrick
06/24/22
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Chapter 10

The author of Hebrews has delivered his primary argument and is transitioning to a practical application of his message. The author has, for several chapters given evidence that the New Covenant of Jesus Christ is far superior to the Old Covenant and its animal sacrifices. The message is in the days of Moses, and the sacrificial system was the intent of God to replace the Temple sacrifices. The sacrifices of animals never removed the sins of the sinner, but the sinner’s faith in the sacrifice cleansed them. The sacrifices were symbolic of the complete solution for the sins of God’s people. The final solution of God providing the perfect sacrifice of Himself as a man called Jesus.

The first half of this chapter is spent with one final intricate point to support the intention of God and the remedy of humanity’s sin. (Hebrews 10:1-18) The author returns to Old Testament Scripture in the book of Psalm 40:6-8. The message of these verses is to show God’s intent that His will would be complete in a specific “Body” as opposed to animal sacrifice.

The author reminds us that repeating animal sacrifices proves that it does not entirely remove sin. If an animal sacrifice did remove sin, then there would be no need to repeat the sacrifices repeatedly. This continual sacrificing of animals proves the point of the purpose of the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant was to remind people of their sin, not remove it. The purpose of the Old Covenant was to point to the New Covenant symbolically.

The sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, was the only perfect sacrifice and needed to be done only once to remove sin from the believer through faith in Jesus. If the sin debt is paid in full by the Lamb of God, then there is no need to sacrifice for sin again.

In the second half of this chapter, we begin to apply these truths to our lives. (Verses 19-39) The theme of Hebrews is having confidence in our faith and “holding fast” amid adversity. The topic change begins with the strongest warning given in Hebrews. The author had given an earlier warning about exercising our faith carelessly. (Hebrews 2:1-4) Then there was the warning against fearful disobedience. (Hebrews 3:12-19) In this next warning, the author delivers the danger in graphic and dire terms. The way this warning is phrased can lead us to two interpretations, which are consistent with the rest of this letter. This caution can seem to be for Christians and a warning of sin in their life. The warning can also be pointed toward those who have not entirely accepted Jesus into their life and may not because they favor their life of sin.

Sin has a consequence, and the foremost is death. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) The wage of sin falls upon the sinner; whether the sin if deliberate or not, the penalty is death. Those who have sinned and know better will be held to greater accountability. “Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” (John 9:41) Those who have accepted the truth surrendered to Jesus and followed Him in faith; they would also expect to receive harsher punishment. The Old Covenant states that the penalty for sin is death. (Numbers 15:27-31) It would be reasonable to expect those who profane the better Covenant should expect a more significant consequence.

Still, the author desires to encourage his readers as they are Christian Jews. They have been persecuted, survived many hardships and trials, and may suffer more in the future. (Hebrews 10:32-39)

Discussion Topics

Question: God’s ultimate plan for the remedy of man’s sin was not an animal sacrifice because it did not remove ___________.

Answer: Sin

Question: If Jesus’ sacrifice for sin removes your sin, does sacrifice for sin need to be repeated?

Answer: No

Question: In times of adversity, what should we do with our faith?

Answer: Hold Fast.

Question: For the unbeliever in Christ, sin, whether deliberate or in ignorance, the penalty is what?

Answer: Death

Opinion Question

What are some reasons that Jesus was the perfect and final solution for removing sin?

First Baptist Church of Durant (2020)