Hebrews:10

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* Verse 1-10 - The apostle having shown that the tabernacle , and ordinances of the covenant of Sinai , were only emblems and types of the gospel , concludes that the sacrifices the high priests offered continually , could not make the worshippers perfect , with respect to pardon , and the purifying of their consciences . But when "God manifested in the flesh ," became the sacrifice , and his death upon the accursed tree the ransom , then the Sufferer being of infinite worth , his free-will sufferings were of infinite value . The atoning sacrifice must be one capable of consenting , and must of his own will place himself in the sinner 's stead : Christ did so . The fountain of all that Christ has done for his people , is the sovereign will and grace of God . The righteousness brought in , and the sacrifice once offered by Christ , are of eternal power , and his salvation shall never be done away . They are of power to make all the comers thereunto perfect ; they derive from the atoning blood , strength and motives for obedience , and inward comfort . * Verse 11-18 - Under the new covenant , or gospel dispensation , full and final pardon is to be had . This makes a vast difference between the new covenant and the old one . Under the old , sacrifices must be often repeated , and after all , only pardon as to this world was to be obtained by them . Under the new , one Sacrifice is enough to procure for all nations and ages , spiritual pardon , or being freed from punishment in the world to come . Well might this be called a new covenant . Let none suppose that human inventions can avail those who put them in the place of the sacrifice of the Son of God . What then remains , but that we seek an interest in this Sacrifice by faith ; and the seal of it to our souls , by the sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience ? So that by the law being written in our hearts , we may know that we are justified , and that God will no more remember our sins . * Verse 19-25 - The apostle having closed the first part of the epistle , the doctrine is applied to practical purposes . As believers had an open way to the presence of God , it became them to use this privilege . The way and means by which Christians enjoy such privileges , is by the blood of Jesus , by the merit of that blood which he offered up as an atoning sacrifice . The agreement of infinite holiness with pardoning mercy , was not clearly understood till the human nature of Christ , the Son of God , was wounded and bruised for our sins . Our way to heaven is by a crucified Saviour ; his death is to us the way of life , and to those who believe this , he will be precious . They must draw near to God ; it would be contempt of Christ , still to keep at a distance . Their bodies were to be washed with pure water , alluding to the cleansings directed under the law : thus the use of water in baptism , was to remind Christians that their conduct should be pure and holy . While they derived comfort and grace from their reconciled Father to their own souls , they would adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things . Believers are to consider how they can be of service to each other , especially stirring up each other to the more vigorous and abundant exercise of love , and the practice of good works . The communion of saints is a great help and privilege , and a means of stedfastness and perseverance . We should observe the coming of times of trial , and be thereby quickened to greater diligence . There is a trying day coming on all men , the day of our death . * Verse 26-31 - The exhortations against apostacy and to perseverance , are urged by many strong reasons . The sin here mentioned is a total and final falling away , when men , with a full and fixed will and resolution , despise and reject Christ , the only Saviour ; despise and resist the Spirit , the only Sanctifier ; and despise and renounce the gospel , the only way of salvation , and the words of eternal life . Of this destruction God gives some notorious sinners , while on earth , a fearful foreboding in their consciences , with despair of being able to endure or to escape it . But what punishment can be sorer than to die without mercy ? We answer , to die by mercy , by the mercy and grace which they have despised . How dreadful is the case , when not only the justice of God , but his abused grace and mercy call for vengeance ! All this does not in the least mean that any souls who sorrow for sin will be shut out from mercy , or that any will be refused the benefit of Christ 's sacrifice , who are willing to accept these blessings . Him that cometh unto Christ , he will in no wise cast out . * Verse 32-39 - Many and various afflictions united against the early Christians , and they had a great conflict . The Christian spirit is not a selfish spirit ; it puts us upon pitying others , visiting them , helping them , and pleading for them . All things here are but shadows . The happiness of the saints in heaven will last for ever ; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods . This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here . The greatest part of the saints ' happiness , as yet , is in promise . It is a trial of the patience of Christians , to be content to live after their work is done , and to stay for their reward till God 's time to give it is come . He will soon come to them at death , to end all their sufferings , and to give them a crown of life . The Christian 's present conflict may be sharp , but will be soon over . God never is pleased with the formal profession and outward duties and services of such as do not persevere ; but he beholds them with great displeasure . And those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past , have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by faith , till they receive the end of their faith and patience , even the salvation of their souls . Living by faith , and dying in faith , our souls are safe for ever . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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