Hebrews 10:11-14

Finality of Christ's priestly ministration. Hebrews 10:11-14.

Text

Hebrews 10:11-14

Hebrews 10:11 And every priest indeed standeth day by day ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, the which can never take away sins: Hebrews 10:12 but He, when He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:13 henceforth expecting till His enemies be made the footstool of His feet. Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.

Paraphrase

Hebrews 10:11 And indeed every ordinary priest standeth morning and evening ministering and offering the same sacrifices, which showeth that these sacrifices never can take away sins.

Hebrews 10:12 Whereas Christ, having offered only one sacrifice for sins through His whole life, sat down at the right hand of God, a Priest in heaven, that of royal dignity and certain conquest was added;

Hebrews 10:13 Thence waiting till His ministry as High Priest upon His throne, Zechariah 6:13, to Whose glory as High Priest, and government as King, shall issue, according to God's promise. Psalms 110:1 in the utter destruction of His enemies.

Hebrews 10:14 Wherefore it is evident, that, by one offering of Himself, Christ hath procured an everlasting pardon for them who by faith and repentance are sanctified; that is, prepared to receive the benefit of that offering.

Comment

And every high priest indeed standeth day by day

In Exodus 29:38-46 are found recorded the daily sacrifices. The wearisome, continuous, ineffectual sacrifices are contrasted here with the one effectual sacrifice.

ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices the which can never take away sins

This idea is expressed often, so evidently we are to understand that no sin was taken away by the Old Testament sacrifices.

a.

However, it was essential that they be done.

b.

For us, confession of faith, repentance, baptism, and belief are essential, although actually it is the blood of Christ that cleanses.

c.

If they had failed to act in good faith, they could not have the blood of Christ applied, just as we today cannot if we fail to act upon the steps of salvation.

For them it was a sacrifice that could never take away sin. With Christ it is a sacrifice that can ever take away sin.

but He, when He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever

One sacrifice forever effectual was done by Christ. Forever goes with one sacrifice, not sat down.

Christ is to leave heaven to receive those that wait for Him. Hebrews 9:28.

sat down at the right hand of God

The priest had to hasten out of the Holy of Holies, for it was a place where he had no free access. He could never feel at home there. Christ sits down with God in the glory of His work accomplished.

henceforth expecting

This is Christ waiting for the fulfillment of a promise.
Milligan says He is calmly and patiently waiting, but surely Christ must be greatly sorrowed at the slow progress of His church with its indifference, coldness, and stinginess.

till His enemies be made the footstool of His feet

Psalms 110:1 is referred to here. His sacrificial work is over, but the last enemy, death, is to be destroyed. 1 Corinthians 15:25-26. See also Revelation 20:11-14.

for by one offering He hath perfected forever

It does not mean that the believer is perfected immediately into a full-grown person in Christ. The sacrifice does take away all sin so that the person stands perfectly cleansed before God and a new creature in Christ. Romans 6:1-4. It is perfection in standing, not actual perfection, which makes one faultless and sinless in life. One sacrifice forever perfects forever; therefore Christ does not have to stand and daily repeat His sacrifices.

them that are sanctified

Who are the sanctified?

a.

His brethren, in verse Hebrews 2:11, must be the answer.

b.

Those baptized into Christ. Galatians 3:27.

c.

Those who walk in a newness of life. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Colossians 3:1; 2 Peter 1:3.

Does this mean that we are perfected, and therefore have no danger of falling?

a.

We must abide in Christ as a branch.

b.

We must not shrink back. Hebrews 10:39.

Study Questions

1795.

Describe the day-by-day sacrifices of the priest. Exodus 29:38-46.

1796.

What is the author's purpose in mentioning it?

1797.

Why did they do it if it couldn-'t cleanse?

1798.

Can we say that it is a contrast of never and ever?

1799.

Contrast the number of sacrifices under the old with the new.

1800.

How soon did Jesus sit down?

1801.

Where is He seated?

1802.

What does this signify?

1803.

Is Jesus seated forever, or is it a sacrifice forever?

1804.

What word could express the thought expecting?

1805.

What work is yet to be done?

1806.

What Psalm is quoted?

1807.

Enemies are named. What or who are they?

1808.

What is the last enemy according to 1 Corinthians 15:26?

1809.

What enemies are named in Revelation 19:11-12?

1810.

Is the Christian perfected forever?

1811.

Does the verse teach that all who are sanctified have no sin? Cf. 1 John 1:10.

1812.

Is it perfection in standing that he is describing?

1813.

Who is included in the words, them that are sanctified?

1814.

Could it be those of Hebrews 2:11? Cf. Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12.

1815.

What does the word sanctify mean?

1816.

Is it a condition over which we have no control?

1817.

If believers cannot fall, why does he close the chapter warning against shrinking back? Cf. Hebrews 10:39.