Hebrews 10 (1)

Introduction
The first part of chapter 10 (vv. 1-18) is the summation of chapters 7-9, culminating in one of the clearest explanations of the work of Christ in the New Testament. Verses 1-4 begin this summation by pointing out that, in the religious system of Judaism, no rest (“perfect,” v. 1) can be found. Instead, Judaism involves a continual resorting to sacrifices and offerings and other forms of devotion which cannot “make those who approach perfect.” The writer is saying to his readers, “If you insist on reverting to Judaism, you will find no rest, but only a constant reminder of your sins and your need for cleansing.” 

Meditate on Psalm 40.1-5.

Read Hebrews 10.1-4.

Think it through.
1.  The religious laws of ancient Israel were a shadow of “the good things to come.” What were those “good things,” and how did the religious laws of Israel foreshadow them? The writer has used several ideas to express “the good things to come” – rest, promises, hope, salvation. Here he adds perfect. What does he mean? Why would being perfect be involved in the idea of rest? Meditate on 2 Corinthians 1.20 and 2 Peter 1.4. Can you see how everything God has promised and provided for us is bound up in Jesus? Explain. What are the implications for your daily faith?

2.  The Jewish sacrifices reminded people they were sinners. But they could not take away their sins (v. 4). One of the results of entering Christ’s rest is that we have “no more consciousness of sins.” Does this mean we never sin? Or never think about sin? In what sense is our “consciousness of sins” removed by looking to Jesus and holding fast our confession in Him? Why is this an important part of “the good things to come”? 

Meditate.
“The law was indeed given through Moses, and there it was determined by a heavenly rule what was to be done and what was to be avoided, but what it commanded was completed only by the grace of Christ. On the one hand, that law was capable of pointing out sin, teaching justice and showing transgressors what they are charged with. On the other hand, the grace of Christ, poured out in the hearts of the faithful through the spirit of charity, brings it about that what the law commanded may be fulfilled.” The Venerable Bede (672-735 AD)

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3.19, 20

Lord Jesus, I’m so grateful that You have brought me into God’s rest, and that as far as my sins are concerned, I…

Pray Psalm 40.1-5.
As you pray, remember back to when you first became a believer in Jesus, and thank God for delivering you from whatever “miry clay” you were experiencing then. Give praise to God and pray that He will give you opportunities to bear witness to Him today.

Psalm 40.1-5 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry, 
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save.

Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare?  None with You can e’er compare.

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.