Hebrews 7–10
Common Theme
Jesus is revealed as the perfect and eternal High Priest whose once-for-all sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the entire Old Covenant system. Through Him, God establishes a new covenant that truly cleanses the conscience and provides direct, lasting access to Himself.
Questions
- Why was the old sacrificial system ultimately unable to bring complete cleansing or lasting access to God?
- How does Jesus’ priesthood being eternal change the way God relates to His people?
God Shot
God is holy and purposeful, patiently unfolding His redemptive plan until the perfect priest and sacrifice arrived at the appointed time. He is a covenant-making God who decisively acts to remove sin and restore unhindered fellowship with Himself.
Deeper
Hebrews 7
The text discusses the significance of Melchizedek, a priest and king who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him, highlighting his unique status as a priest without genealogy, symbolizing eternal priesthood. It contrasts Melchizedek with the Levitical priesthood, suggesting that if perfection could be achieved through the latter, there would be no need for another priest like Melchizedek. The text emphasizes that Jesus, descended from Judah, is a priest in the order of Melchizedek, appointed not by legal descent but by the power of an indestructible life. Jesus is portrayed as the guarantor of a better covenant, able to save those who approach God through him, as he lives forever to intercede for them. Unlike previous high priests, Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice once for all, establishing a perfect and eternal priesthood.
Hebrews 8
The text discusses Jesus as the High Priest of a new and better covenant, emphasizing His role at the right hand of God in heaven. It explains that every high priest must offer gifts and sacrifices, but Jesus’ ministry is superior to the old covenant, which was flawed. The passage references God’s promise to establish a new covenant with Israel, where His laws will be internalized in people’s hearts, leading to a direct relationship with Him. The old covenant is deemed obsolete as the new one is enacted on better promises.
Hebrews 9
The text describes the structure and significance of the earthly holy places in the context of the first covenant, highlighting the roles of the priests and the rituals performed. The Holy Place contained the lampstand, table, and bread of the Presence, while the Most Holy Place housed the ark of the covenant, which contained significant items like the golden urn of manna and Aaron’s staff. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year, offering blood for his and the people’s unintentional sins. This system symbolized that the way to the holy places was not yet open.
In contrast, Christ, as the high priest of a new covenant, entered the true holy places with his own blood, securing eternal redemption. His sacrifice purifies the conscience, allowing believers to serve God. The text emphasizes that a covenant requires death, as seen in the first covenant’s inauguration with blood. Christ’s singular sacrifice is sufficient for salvation, contrasting with the repeated offerings of the past, and he will return to save those who await him.
Hebrews 10
The text discusses the significance of Christ’s sacrifice in contrast to the repetitive animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. It emphasizes that the law serves only as a shadow of the good things to come and cannot perfect those who approach God. The sacrifices remind worshipers of their sins, as the blood of animals cannot truly take them away. Christ, however, came to fulfill God’s will, offering His body as a single, perfect sacrifice that sanctifies believers once for all. This act allows believers to confidently enter the holy places, assured of their faith and cleansed from sin. The text encourages believers to hold fast to their hope, support one another in love and good works, and not to neglect gathering together. It warns against deliberate sin after receiving the truth, highlighting the severe consequences of rejecting Christ’s sacrifice. The passage concludes by recalling the endurance of early believers through suffering and encourages them to maintain their confidence and faith, assuring them of the promised reward and the importance of perseverance in their spiritual journey.