A. INTRODUCTION: HEBREWS 10:1-39
The whole Levitical dispensation was unable to give anyone perfect access to God. It was evident because the worshipers had to continually repeat the sacrifices. The worshipers had not attained full acceptance by God. In fact, the Old Testament itself showed the insufficiency of animal sacrifices, which pointed to the true Lamb of God who would eventually die for the sins of the world (John 1:29).
1. What were the Levitical ceremonies? A shadow of things to come (v. 1: Colossians 2:16-17).
2. What was demonstrated by the very necessity of constantly repeating these sacrifices and ceremonies? They were never able to provide perfect cleansing (v. 1).
3. If animal sacrifices could have once for all purified the worshiper, how would it have been known? If sacrifices provided perfect cleansing, they would have stopped (v. 2).
4. While animal sacrifices answered their purpose figuratively, what was their limitation? They reminded the sinner of his/her sin (vv. 3-4).
5. Did God get any satisfaction out of seeing animals killed for ritual purposes, unless it meant the worshiper was brought into vital relation with himself? The only thing that pleased God was it reminded the sinner of his/her sin (vv. 5-6).
6. Since the animals used for ritual were not voluntary sacrifices and since the true Sacrifice must be one capable of consenting to take the sinner’s place, what was necessary for God to do? Christ became our sacrifice for our sin (v. 5; cf. v. 10).
7. What did Jesus Himself, the Second Person of the Trinity do? He took on a body to become our sacrifice (Philippians 2:7).
8. When the Baby Jesus came into this world, what did He say back to the Father? “I have come to do Your will” (vv. 5-7).
9. What was the primary purpose in Jesus taking this body? To do the Father’s will (v. 10; cf. Galatians 4:45).
10. Through the divine will, what does the acceptance of this final offering accomplish for the believer? It made believers (v. 10). The world “sanctified” means “set apart for a special purpose.” Instantaneously, the person born again through faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ is set apart for God. Since the Lamb of God has taken all his sins, perfect standing in Christ is imputed to him.
11. What has Christ obtained for us through His sacrificial death? He offered Himself as a single act for all time (9:12).
12. Was there a chair in the Holy Place where the high priest could sit down? Not on earth (v. 11).
13. Was the priest’s work ever finished? No (v. 11; 7:27).
14. How was all this changed? Christ did it once (v. 12).
15. What did our Redeemer do upon His entrance into Heaven? He sat down in the place of honor (1:3).
16. What does this signify? Jesus forever made us holy (v. 14).
17. For how long a time will the perfections of Christ be reckoned to the one who has really trusted in the work of Calvary? Forever (v. 14).
18. If our sins are under the blood, is the impossible for God to do? Never remember them again (v. 17).
19. Was there any more need for Jewish believers to have anything to do with the sin offerings? No (v. 17).
20. Having such a Sacrifice and such a High Priest (vv. 19-21), what responsibility is placed upon the believer? We go into the presence of God with sincere hearts (v. 22).
21. Why is this new way of salvation a “living way” – a way possessing spiritual vitality? A new and better way into God’s presence (v. 20; cf. John 14:6).
22. What did the rending of the veil of the temple typify? A new and better way into God’s presence (v. 20; cf. v. 10). As the veil concealed the glory of Jehovah from sight, the body of Jesus shrouded His original glory. As God dwelt behind the veil in the earthly temple, so He dwells behind the veil of human flesh in the person of the Incarnate Son. The rending of the veil at His death (Matthew 27:51), attested the fact that His death gave right of free access to the presence of God without priest or sacrifice.
23. With such provision made for us, how should we approach God? Let us go right into God’s presence (v. 22).
24. How can we have full assurance? Our guilty conscience is cleansed (v. 22; cf. Ephesians 3:12).
25. In place of the ceremonial purifications of the old dispensation, what should we now seek in our approach to God? We go through Jesus to the Father (v. 21, Jon 17:17; cf. Exodus 29:21; Leviticus 8:30; Ezekiel 36:25, etc.)
26. Being assured of His continuous faithfulness to us, what should we do? Hold tightly without wavering (v. 23).
27. Can we hope to grow spiritually by keeping our religion to ourselves? Think of ways to motivate others (v. 24). The word for “provoke” means “stimulate,” Let us not forget that the very essence of the Christian life is to excite others to a life of love to God and men.
28. In connection with this obligation toward others, what also is important? Do not neglect attending Sunday worship (v. 25). Way translates: Let us not abandon the practice of church gatherings.” Regular assembling for fellowship and biblical instruction, is an important test of one’s faithfulness.
29. What should be a more constraining motive for believers to stick close together? The day of Christ’s return (v. 25).
30. If one “willfully sets himself to sin after having receive such full knowledge of the truth,” in what position would he find himself? No forgiveness for willful sin (vv. 26-27).
31. Did the writer contemplate that any really born-again Jew would revert to such practices? No (v. 39, cf. 6:9).
32. What happened to Jewish apostates under the Old Covenant? God was not pleased (v. 28).
33. If one returned to Judaism after receiving the light of the New Covenant, what would he be doing? Trampling the Son of God, insulting and counting Christ’s blood unworthy (v. 29).
34. Would such an aggravated sin as this be due to ignorance, would it be deliberate and willful apostasy? Yes (v. 26).
35. How does the writer now encourage these oppressed Hebrew believers? Be confident/remember the rewards promised then you will receive (vv. 35-36).
36. What truth should especially fortify these persecuted believers? Jesus will return/come and not delay (v. 37).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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