Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Hebrews

Chapter 10

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
How does Paul describe the law?	As "a shadow"
What things are to come?	"Good things."
In the account of the construction of the tabernacle, Moses was told to make all according to the pattern God showed him. Why then does Paul here say that the tabernacle was "not the very image of the things?"	It is not the image (or likeness) that Paul is speaking of but rather it is type and antitype. We are interested in the Antitype, the reality, of which these things in the tabernacle were designed to point out.
Of what sacrifices is Paul here speaking?	Since he refers to sacrifices being "offered year by year" it seems to refer especially to the Day of Atonement sacrifices, specifically the bullock and the Lord's goat.
What effect did those sacrifices have on the people?	It gave them a standing with God for the upcoming year. But this is not Paul's point. His point is that these sacrifices did nothing permanent. They did not bring perfection to the ones who performed these sacrifices.

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
In Paul's argument, what was it that would have caused the sacrifices to cease?	If those sacrifices actually made the participants perfect.
What would have been the results?	"The worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins."

Verse 3

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
Question	Answer
What then was the effect upon the participants in those sacrifices?	It reminded them that they were indeed in a sinful state and still in need of atonement.

Verse 4

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Question	Answer
It is God who set up the Day of Atonement sacrifices. What then could possibly be wrong with the sacrifices of bulls and goats?	Nothing. They were pictures of the true sacrifices, i.e., that of Christ and the church. Those animals were the type while Christ and the church form the antitype or reality.

Verse 5

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Question	Answer
Recommended reading: R5053:15
"When he cometh ..." Who is "he?"	Jesus.
If he came into the world, from whence did he come?	Heaven. John 1:14; 6:51,62
From where is this quotation taken?	Psa. 40:6-8 (KJV) Psalm 40:6-8 (Septuagint): [6] Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not; but a body hast thou prepared me: whole-burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin thou didst not require. [7] Then I said, Behold, I come: in the volume of the book it is written concerning me, [8] I desired to do thy will, O my God, and thy law in the midst of mine heart.
Who is it that did not want "sacrifice and offering?"	God.
What is meant by "a body hast thou prepared me?"	God prepared the natural human body of Jesus. It could be said this body was 30 years in development. This body was typified in the bullock which was sacrificed on the Day of Atonement.

Verse 6

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Question	Answer
If God has no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, why did He instruct Israel to perform these sacrifices?	Because He was having them perform a pantomime, demonstrating lessons designed for the New Creation. God was showing us by way of Type what would be required in the Gospel Age. 1 Cor. 10:6,11

Verse 7

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Question	Answer
In this context, who is "I?"	The man Christ Jesus.
Where is it written of him?	Throughout the Bible in pictures, types and allegories. R5054:1
What is written of him?	To do God's will.
Did he receive this as a commandment from God?	Absolutely not. His was a free-will offering.

[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 Spirit 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.

Verse 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;
Question	Answer
What types of sacrifices were offered by the Law?	Animal sacrifices.
In Psa. 50:5 God says "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." Why does Paul here tell us that God does not want "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings?"	The sacrifice made by the saints is that of giving up their right to an earthly life in the kingdom. This is what is sacrificed. If they came up the highway of holiness with the world of mankind they would have a perfect human life. That is a worthy thing to sacrifice, a sacrifice without blemish. Whereas, since the animal sacrifices under the Law are far short of perfect intelligent sacrifices, they are indeed not the real sacrifices that God is looking for.

Verse 9

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
Question	Answer
Paul here says that "He taketh away the first." What is "the first?"	The types. R5054:5-7
What is "the second?"	The antitypes or realities.

Verse 10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Question	Answer
What does it mean to be sanctified?	To be set apart or made holy.
Who is sanctified?	"We," i.e., the church, the body of Christ.
Who is "we?"	R2987:3-6
How is this group sanctified?	"Through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ." - Note this is not through the offering of our Lord's spiritual body that He had prior to becoming a man. It was his earthly body, that same body that was prepared for him. (vs. 5)
How many times is the body of Jesus Christ offered?	One time only. This, of course, runs contrary to the practice of the mass which claims to sacrifice Christ afresh each time a mass is performed.

Verse 11

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Question	Answer
Is it really "every priest" that Paul is here talking about?	No. The context clearly shows he has been speaking of the Day of Atonement sacrifices. Therefore this should be understood to mean "every High Priest," or "every priest who officiates the Day of Atonement sacrifices," i.e., every High Priest.
Does the priest offer these sacrifices "daily?"	At first glance it might appear so. Even when the expression is followed by using the Strong's numbers here used (Greek 2596 & 2250) it seems to almost always correspond to our term "daily." This holds true until we come to Heb. 7:27. Please see the Heb. 7:27 study comments.
Based on the answers to the two preceding questions, what did Paul mean when he said these priests offered "oftentimes the same sacrifices?"	Paul was referring to those Day of Atonement sacrifices (especially the bullock and the Lord's goat) which were repeated once every year ("oftentimes.")
What value were these sacrifices in regard to the cancellation of sins?	They did not remove the sins nor the guilt of the sins. What they did was to provide valuable lessons for the New Creation during the Gospel Age by means of Type and Antitype.

Verse 12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Question	Answer
Who is "this man?"	Jesus.
What did he offer?	Himself, his perfect humanity.
What was the purpose of this offering?	It was an offering for sin, i.e., offereing for the sins of the people, Adam's people (descendants).
What was the result upon him of completing this offering?	God exalted him to the Divine Nature. Phil. 2:3-11 See also Heb. 1:3,4. This was the fulfillment of Matt. 26:64; Mark 14:62.

Verse 13

Waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. [NASB]
Question	Answer
From what time was he waiting?	From the time just described by Paul, i.e., from the time when, after he had completed his sacrifice as man's sin-offering, he was resurrected to glory and set forever at the Father's right hand.
For how long was he waiting?	Until his enemies are made his footstool. Compare 1 Cor. 15:25.

Verse 14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Question	Answer
Who is perfected by the offering of Jesus?	"Them that are sanctified." See John 17:6-21.
According to the doctrine of "the mass," Christ must be repeatedly sacrificed in order to cleans his followers. According to Paul, how many times is Jesus offered in sacrifice?	Once.
For how long is this sacrifice effective?	"For ever."

Verse 15

Whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
Question	Answer
To whom is the Holy Spirit a witness in this matter?	"To us" - the church.

Verse 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;
Question	Answer
What is the Lord here promising to do?	Make a covenant.
From where is this quotation taken?	Jer. 31:33-34.
With whom does God make this covenant?	With Israel, the natural descendants of Jacob.
When will he make this covenant?	"After those days." -- What days? -- After the Gospel Age. Please see R4512:11.
What will God do in connection with this covenant?	Write His law in the minds and hearts of Israel.

Verse 17

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Question	Answer
Whose sins and iniquities are here being spoken of?	Israel's.
What will God do with them?	Remember them no more.

Verse 18

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Question	Answer
When these sins are remitted what does that indicate?	That there is no more offering for sin.
What impact does this have on our understanding of the church's share in the sin-offering?	That in order for this covenant to go into effect the church class must have completed its sacrifice. Remember, the church shares in the sin-offering, and we memorialize this each year.

[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.

Verse 19

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Question	Answer
Paul says: "Having therefore, brethren..." Why is he using this phrase here? What is he telling us?	He is saying the previous reasoning is the basis for what he is about to present to us. It is because Jesus made the offering for sin "once for all" that the new and living way has been opened up for the rest of us. Therefore we may have boldness to enter in. Without this sacrifice of Jesus Christ it would be death to attempt to enter in. "No man taketh this honor on himself." Heb. 5:4
How can we enter into the "holiest" (of the two compartments, the Holy and Most Holy) if neither the tabernacle nor the temple are standing?	Paul is here referring to the antitypical Most Holy, to heaven itself, to the presence of God.
By what means are we able to enter into the Most Holy?	By the blood of Jesus. His sacrifice opened the door to the narrow way. One must be spirit-begotten to walk this way and the holy spirit had not been given prior to Pentecost.

Verse 20

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Question	Answer
How is this a new way?	It is the High Calling to glory, honor and immortality. This way had never been available prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Why does Paul refer to it as not only a new but also a living way?	It is the narrow way to life .. to life in the fullest degree, i.e., the Divine Nature. Matt. 7:14; John 6:53. All those not on this way are on the only other way open at this time, the "broad way that leads to destruction." Matt. 7:13
How did Jesus consecrate this way?	To consecrate means to be set apart, to be made holy. This way was opened up by the perfect man Jesus, begotten of the Holy Spirit, walking a sacrificial path which lead to his own death as a man, forever giving up his perfect humanity. The same is true of us. Our perfect humanity that we would have at the end of the Millennial age is sacrificed so that we too can walk this narrow way, giving up our will to do the will of the Father.
For whom did Jesus consecrate this way?	For us, the church class, his bride.
This way is consecrated "through the veil, that is to say, his flesh." What does that mean?	Paul is explaining what is pictured by the veil between the Holy and the Most Holy. This is the way into the presence of God. It required the completion of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to open the way into the Most Holy. See Mark 15:37-38

Verses 21,22

And having an high priest over the house of God; 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.
Question	Answer
What constitutes "the House of God?"	The "House of God" is referred to in scripture as his "house or temple." Matt. 21:12,13; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Rev. 3:12
Who is the "High Priest" over the house of God?	Jesus Christ.
Who is invited to "draw near?"	"Us," i.e., the church class.
In what manner are we to "draw near?"	"In full assurance of faith." Heb. 11:6
Why did Paul refer to our hearts being "sprinkled?"	Because Paul already told us (in Heb. 9:21,22) that "almost all things are by the law purged with blood" and this indicates the remission of sins. Our hearts must accept the sacrifice of Jesus as complete for the remission of our sins.
Why do we need to have our hearts thus sprinkled?	Paul says it is "from an evil conscience."
What does this imply?	It implies an awareness of our own imperfections. It also implies that we know good from evil. It also implies our desire to be free from the evil of our imperfect conscience.
Why do we need to have "our bodies washed with pure water?" What does this mean?	Our bodies are imperfect and need to be cleansed. That is what the robe of Christ's righteousness is for. We also need to have the pure water of Truth in order to be spiritually clean. - Eph. 5:26-27 tells us why this is important.

Verse 23

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Question	Answer
Are we to hold on to our faith?	Yes.
Is this what Paul is here telling us to do?	Not exactly. He is telling us not only to hold on to our faith, but additionally we are to profess that faith outwardly.
What is it that we are to "hold fast?"	The profession of our faith.
Once we have this are we to be moderate in it?	No. We are to hold this faith "without wavering." This is a positive stand we are taking.
What is the basis for having this confidence?	God is faithful. He will do His part. He will not forget a single one of all His promises to us.

Verse 24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Question	Answer
In what way are we to attempt to influence our brethren?	To provoke them to love and good works.

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
What are we to avoid?	The fleshly tendency of avoiding spiritual gatherings. On the contrary we are to assemble with the Lord's people.
Why are we to assemble?	For exhortation.
Is there a time in the history of the church where this is more important than at other times?	Yes. Paul says "so much more as ye see the day approaching." In other words, now!

[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.

Verse 26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Question	Answer
Is there such a thing as a willful sin?	Yes. That's what Paul says here.
What does that imply?	That there are sins that are not willful. These are the sins that are covered by the merit of Christ's sacrifice.
When is such a sin especially dangerous?	"After we have received the knowledge of the truth."
What is the danger for such willful sins?	The second death. "No more sacrifice for sins."
Does a knowledge of the Truth bring responsibility?	Yes. How much depends on how it is treated. If there is enough truth to beget then it seems there is also be enough truth to sin against and put one in danger of the second death. Consider Matt. 23:15.
Should we then avoid gaining more knowledge of the truth?	Isa. 53:11; John 4:23; 1 Sam. 2:3; Prov. 2:6; 22:12; Isa. 11:2; 11:9; Phil. 3:8; Col. 1:10; 2 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:8; 2 Pet. 3:18
Do we battle with the old will?	R3203:7

Verse 27

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Question	Answer
What is the condition of those who, having sufficient knowledge, commit willful sins?	"Fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation."
Who are "the adversaries" described here in this verse?	Those who know better and yet commit willful sins. F167:1

Verses 28-29

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 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?
Question	Answer
What happened to those who despised the law given by Moses?	They were put to death.
Which is the greater sin, to go against the Law given by Moses or to "tread under foot the Son of God?"	The latter.
Does this apply to someone who has not claimed consecration?	No.
If yes, why? If no, why not?	Those who have not claimed consecration have not been begotten of the Holy Spirit. These do not yet have the spirtual understanding to know better. With knowledge comes responsibility. God is far too merciful to sent someone into second death without them having come into engough light to have a fair chance to follow righteousness.
What is the blood of the covenant?	Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; 1 Cor. 10:16. It is the blood of Jesus Christ. It is that which we, as members of the church class, share with Him. This symbolizes our participation with Jesus in the great sin-offering for the world of mankind.
With what was this willful sinner once sanctified.	With the blood of the covenant, the blood of Jesus.
How could the blood of Christ be counted as an unholy thing?	See expanded Bible Comments on this.
How has such an one "done despite to the spirit of grace?"	The spirit of grace is what allows one to come to a knowledge of the Lord and permit that one to make a consecration of themselves to God. To 'despite' that grace is to disrespect it, to count it as common or unworthy of anything special. Remember, this grace involves the sacrifice of God's only begotten son!

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
To whom does vengeance belong?	To God.
What is meant by "recompense?"	It means to have some kind of compensation. It can be positive as in receiving a recompense (payment) for a days work. It is usually used in the negative. When this is the case, the best definition for our day would be the term "pay back." Hos. 8:7
Is it our job to judge the Lord's people?	No. That job belongs to the Lord.

Verse 31

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Question	Answer
Is it a fearful thing for a man to fall into the hands of his enemies?	Yes. However, they could only hurt you in this life and perhaps take this life from you.
What could be worse than falling into the hands of ones enemies?	To fulfill this text, i.e., to fall into the hands of God. This is not talking of God holding us tenderly in the palm of His hand. This is speaking of God using His might against the one who has offended Him. This would mean to lose all life, including any future life.

[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 recompense 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.

Verse 32

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
Question	Answer
What does Paul here mean by "after ye were illuminated?"	After receiving the Truth and the Holy Spirit.
Is Paul here indicating that the reward of the church is to have to "endure a great fight of afflictions?"	Yes. We all must endure these fights. For most of us the fights are with the great enemy within. But there must be battle and there must be victory, else we will not be crowned as "overcomers."

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
What is a "Gazingstock?"	Gazingstock.
Why is Paul reminding the brethren of such bitter experiences?	For their encouragement. Acts 14:22
What if you never had any such experiences?	That is why Paul includes the expression "partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used."

Verse 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.
Question	Answer
What was the attitude of the Hebrew brethren towards Paul in his captivity?	Compassion.
Did their attitude translate into action?	Yes. They gave of what things they had to sustain him. "Took joyfully the spoiling of your goods."
What prompted them to do this?	Their faith. Knowing that their reward is heavenly.

Verse 35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.
Question	Answer
In what are we to have confidence?
What is the value of this confidence?

Verse 36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Question	Answer
Why do we need patience?
What is the promise?
When do we receive the promise?

Verse 37-38

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.
Question	Answer
Is this a quotation from the Old Testament?	Hab. 2:3-4
Who is "he that shall come?"
Why does Paul remind us that he "will not tarry?"
Who are "the just?"
How important is our faith?
What is the danger of drawing back from our consecration?

Verse 39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Question	Answer
What happens to those who draw back?
What is the result of believing and maintaining that belief?

Chapter 9    Chapter 11