Hebrews 10:4-10 is about the sacrificial system of the Old Testament being insufficient to fully atone for sins, leading to the establishment of Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice who perfectly fulfills God’s will and sanctifies believers once and for all.
4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;
6 In burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’
When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law),
9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second.
10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Setting the Scene for Hebrews 10:4-10
The scene in Hebrews chapter 10 is set in the heavenly realm, where Jesus Christ is having a conversation with God the Father. Jesus, the Son of God, has come to fulfill the will of the Father by offering himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The atmosphere is one of solemnity and purpose, as Jesus willingly accepts his role as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for the sins of the world.
Surrounded by a host of angels, Jesus and God the Father discuss the inadequacy of the sacrifices offered under the old covenant. The scene is filled with a sense of anticipation and fulfillment as Jesus declares his willingness to do the will of the Father and offer himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. The weight of this momentous decision hangs heavy in the air, as Jesus prepares to carry out the plan of redemption that will bring salvation to all who believe in him.
As the conversation unfolds, the love and obedience of Jesus shine through, highlighting his unique role as the mediator between God and humanity. The scene captures the essence of the gospel message, showcasing the selfless sacrifice of Jesus and the boundless grace of God in providing a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him.
What is Hebrews 10:4-10 about?
This verse speaks to the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. When Jesus willingly laid down his life, he did so as a perfect and final offering for the forgiveness of our sins. His sacrifice was not limited to a specific time or group of people but was intended for all humanity for all time. Through his sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the will of God, demonstrating his love and redemption for us. Jesus sanctified all believers in one selfless act, considering the weight of this truth. This sanctification means that we are set apart and made holy in God’s eyes because of the sacrifice of Jesus. It is a reminder of the depth of God’s love for us and the lengths to which he was willing to go to restore our relationship with him. Let us reflect on this verse with gratitude for the gift of salvation and the opportunity that Christ gives us to be made new.
Understanding what Hebrews 10:4-10 really means
In Hebrews 10:4-10, the passage delves into the contrast between the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the ultimate sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. The writer emphasizes the inadequacy of the blood of bulls and goats to truly take away sins, pointing to the temporary nature of these sacrifices as a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice to come. This sets the stage for the central theme of the passage: the necessity of a flawless, once-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.
The verse begins by stating the impossibility of animal sacrifices to fully atone for sins, drawing a parallel to Leviticus 16:15-16, which outlines the Day of Atonement rituals. These sacrifices were symbolic and provisional, ultimately paving the way for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The reference to Psalm 40:6-8 underscores God’s plan for a more profound sacrifice, one that transcends mere offerings and points to the incarnation of Jesus as the fulfillment of this divine plan.
Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, as depicted in the passage through the quote from Jeremiah 31:31-34, signifies the establishment of a new covenant. This covenant supersedes the old ways of sacrifice, ushering in a era where believers are sanctified through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus’ body. The writer emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in making believers holy and acceptable to God, highlighting the transformative power of faith in Christ.
For contemporary readers, this passage offers assurance of forgiveness and liberation from the burden of guilt. It encourages believers to embrace the new covenant, focusing on a personal relationship with Jesus rather than relying on external rituals for salvation. Understanding the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice can bring peace and assurance to those struggling with feelings of unworthiness, as they realize that Christ’s sacrifice covers all sins completely.
In reflecting on the meaningful phrases within the passage, we see a clear delineation between the limitations of the old sacrificial system and the fulfillment found in Jesus’ sacrifice. The phrase “A body you prepared for me” underscores the profound nature of the incarnation, while “Here I am, I have come to do your will” exemplifies Jesus’ obedience and sets a standard for believers to follow. The term “once for all” encapsulates the finality and completeness of Jesus’ sacrifice, offering believers unwavering confidence in their salvation and sanctification.
In conclusion, Hebrews 10:4-10 illuminates the inadequacy of animal sacrifices and the surpassing sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. It calls believers to embrace the new covenant, live in the freedom and assurance provided by Jesus’ sacrifice, and find solace in the completeness of His redemptive work. May we all find peace and security in the unshakeable foundation of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice.
What does it mean to do God’s will?
Doing God’s will, as described in the verse, involves understanding that sacrifices and offerings were not ultimately pleasing to Him. Instead, it emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ coming to fulfill God’s will by providing a once-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This act of Jesus establishes a new covenant and a new way for believers to approach God, one that is centered on faith in Christ’s sacrifice rather than on endless animal sacrifices.
Therefore, to do God’s will according to this verse means to accept, acknowledge, and believe in the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross. It involves trusting in and relying on Christ’s atonement for sins and recognizing that through His sacrifice, believers are sanctified and made righteous before God. We are walking in God’s will and experiencing the abundant life and forgiveness He offers through Christ by aligning our lives with the truth of Christ’s sacrifice and living in obedience to His teachings.
Application
Embrace the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, let it ignite your actions. Share this gift with others. Step up, honor His love, and live out His teachings. Will you take up this challenge and spread His message through your deeds?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.