Chapter 10:19-39

The Epistle To The Hebrews: A Study Guide

By Pastor James P. Vold

Chapter 10:19-39

10 l9Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way which He has consecrated for us, through the curtain, that is, His flesh, 21and having a high Priest over the house of God, 221et 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. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider one another so as to stir up love and good works, 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 26For if we sin willfully aPcer we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28He who despised Moses' law died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 290f how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know Him who has said “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." 311t is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! 32But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated, 34for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have a better and an enduring possession in heaven. 35Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 "For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38Now the just shall live by faith; but if he draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him." 39But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (Heb. 10: 19-39 NKJ)

In the previous studies we examined carefully Christ's superiority to Aaron and the superiority of His priesthood to the Levitical priesthood.

The Superiority Of The Christian Walk

A. What Christ Did For Us (vs 19-25)

1. Jesus Christ gave us access to the Father.
The access is described as boldness to enter the Holiest. Boldness suggests a freedom to speak *eely and permission to share everything. The Holiest was that place, behind the veil, where the glory cloud (symbol of the Divine presence) dwelled. To enter through the veil was to step into the immediate presence of God. Access to God is assured to us by the blood of Jesus (His death) and by His flesh (person) as the veil. 2. Jesus Christ as High Priest has authority ouer the house of God (vs 25). Since believers are His house (Heb. 3:6), He as our great mediator exercises authority and control over us.

The privileges we receive freely by grace, put on us some clear responsibilities. These are:

1. Drawing Near (vs 22)
We need to develop an intimate relationship with God—which comes *om a true heart and the assurance when we accept the Word of God wholeheartedly. We can have this closeness with God because the very center of our beings are set free *om a guilty conscience by the blood of Jesus.

2. Holding Fast (vs 23)
We stand firm in our confession of salvation because God is faithful.

3. Consider Others (vs 24, 25)
We are to consider (think about) how we may encourage one another toward love and good deeds. Therefore, it is important for believers to meet together for fellowship and so much the more as you see the Day (of His return) approaching

B. Warning Of Dangers (vs 10:26-37)

Two specific dangers are listed:

1. The rejection of the Savior by returning to Judaism (vs 26-31).

2. The relapse of faith when faced with delays (vs 32-37). The rejection is described as a willful turning *om the truth. To those who know and then reject Christ, there is no other salvation. Verse 28 illustrates this principle under the Mosaic law.

The sin of rejection includes:

1. Treading underfoot the Son of God. This happens when the Lordship of Jesus Christ is refused. 2. Counting the blood as common. To say that something, e.g. good works, is equal to the blood of Jesus as a means of salvation would show that the blood has no more value than the works.

3. Mistreating the Holy Spirit. To insult and despise the gracious Spirit who brings God's mercy and saving love to people is spiritually a capital offense.

The Word tells us the Lord will judge His people. He never speaks in vain; He says, I will repay.

In warning the readers not to turn from their faith, the writer reminds them of how they endured in the past under persecution. That is proof of their faith in Christ. They must not now drift away because of the delay in the furfillment of promises. Christ's return is a sure promise, so they must continue to serve Him faithfully.

C. A Statement of Principle (vs 10:38,39)

Here in one sentence is the whole of God's dealing with men. The just shall live by faith. The just are those who are declared righteous by God. That declaration is made because of the person and work of Christ. Eternal life is given by the new birth through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Faith is the connection between God the Source and our just)fication. Such faith does not draw back.

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