Hebrews 10:19-39

In the Temple worship of sacrifices under the Old Covenant the priest could make sin offerings for only two types of sins; violations of God’s law in ignorance or unintentional violations of God’s law. There was no sin offering for someone who intentionally, willfully violated God’s law. Within the Jewish culture such willful violations could result in capital punishment – death to the violator. Do you recall the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8? The woman was on the verge of execution for her willful sinfulness. (I think it should be noted that Jesus’ intervention – ‘let him without sin cast the first stone’ – is a compelling view of Jesus’ stand on capital punishment.)

The writer to Hebrews has reminded his readers of the extraordinarily Good News of the New Covenant. Jesus’ sacrifice of his life, his blood, is once and for all time a sin offering for our willful disobedience, our willful sins against God. Hallelujah.

Verses 22-23 are a summary of the qualities of life for those who have ‘entered heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.’ The writer describes hearts that have, in John Wesley’s words, ‘been strangely warmed.’ The gift of full assurance has been realized through our baptism into the life of Christ. (See Romans 6) And, we hold firm in our confession of faith, not because we are so strong, but because ‘God can be trusted to keep his promises.’

The writer also makes clear that Jesus has made the one and only sin offering that sets us free from our sin nature brought about by original sin. There is no other sin offering available. The writer is convinced that those who have entered into the Most Holy Place will not look for an exit. They will remain under the shelter of the Almighty.

However, for those who have heard about Jesus and have refused Jesus’ offer of forgiveness, those who have not entered heaven’s Most Holy Place, there is no other hope for forgiveness. Jesus is our only hope for being made right with the God of the New Covenant.

God, out of the purity of his love for humankind, will endorse whatever decision we make.

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

26-Feb-12     Heb. 11:1-31