The better sacrifice calls for faithful service
Christians should have confidence they will enter heaven, not through a lifeless law but through a living Christ. Entrance will be through the torn veil of Jesus’ flesh. The Christian has a Great Priest (Milligan). His greatness comes from his position. The house over which he serves is God’s, the church and finally heaven (1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 8:2).
Christians draw near to God with a true heart free from sin and deceitfulness. They have complete trust in God and his word. The evil which would cause them to have a guilty conscience has been washed from their hearts (Hebrews 10:19-22). The sprinkling here seems to refer to the sprinkling of Christ’s blood. One becomes a Christian when washed in Christ’s blood, which occurs in baptism (Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; Acts 22:16). God’s children must walk in the light to be constantly cleansed from sin (1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 1:7).
A heavenly home is the hope of every Christian. The inspired penman encouraged his readers toward faith in the one who promised that home. He urged them to hold fast to Christ, the object of the Christian’s confession of faith. Christ’s followers should think about one another with the goal of finding ways to encourage each other to love and good works (Hebrews 10:23-24).
Gathering together in worship is a means of encouraging one another because edification is one of its goals (1 Corinthians 14:26). The writer instructed his readers not to desert those assemblies. This was especially important as they could see the coming "day" (Hebrews 10:25), which seems to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. The day was imminent, thus the writer issues a strong exhortation. We cannot know the second coming is imminent but are sure we will all face judgment (Matthew 25:13; Hebrews 9:27).
Deserting the assemblies and other willful sins push away the sacrifice of Christ. Thus, no more sacrifice is available. Judgment and eternal condemnation are the only certainty ahead. Lightfoot says God’s judgment of the wicked is often pictured as fire (Isaiah 66:15-16; Zephaniah 1:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
People openly rebelling against Moses’ law were unable to receive forgiveness (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). Rebelling against the better covenant will lead to even worse punishment (Luke 12:47-48). We can be sure God will keep his promises. He will reward man according to the deeds done in the flesh. The Almighty will judge all people, including his own (Deuteronomy 32:35-36). It will be a terrible thing to be a condemned sinner (Hebrews 10:26-31; Matthew 25:46).
The inspired writer, as in Hebrews 6, turned to encourage the brethren. They had endured days of persecution because they had turned from darkness to light. They became subjects of public insults and reproachful names. They endured afflictions, including several kinds of abuse. They became friends with those suffering such trials, knowing they would similarly suffer. Milligan renders the beginning of verse 34, "For ye sympathized with them who were in bonds." They joyfully endured the losses suffered for being Christians, spurred by the heavenly reward awaiting them (Matthew 6:19-21). They were urged to not become afraid and cast away their hope. Patient endurance in times of trial would cause them to continue in God’s will. It would allow them to receive the promise of eternal life (Hebrews 10:32-36; Galatians 6:9).
The Hebrew brethren apparently cried out, "How long will our suffering last?" Isaiah 26:20 and Habakkuk 2:3-4 serve as the answer. God promises those who will patiently wait an imminent end to the suffering. This may refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Historians tell us unbelieving Jews were taken captive or slain on that day, but the whole congregation of the Lord’s church at Jerusalem left the city and escaped unharmed. The just man will be justified by his faith, but the one who draws back from the faith will not please the Lord. The writer said he and his readers were not among those who would turn from the faith. He knew they were strong in faith and would keep on believing till salvation "to the uttermost" was received (Hebrews 7:25; 10:37-39).
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