Hebrews 10 Commentary: A Superior Covenant, A Steadfast Faith
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let 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.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 10 is a pivotal chapter, marking both the culmination of a detailed theological argument and a transition into practical exhortations. For several chapters (beginning in Hebrews 7), the author of Hebrews has meticulously built a case for the superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ over the old covenant system of animal sacrifices. This chapter brings that argument to a resounding close (Hebrews 10:1-18) and then pivots towards applying these truths to the lives of his readers (Hebrews 10:19-39), urging them to persevere in their faith. This call to action is underscored by both encouragement and a stark warning against turning away from the truth. Hebrews 10 is a call to embrace the fullness of God's grace and live a life of unwavering faith.
The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:1-4)
The author begins by highlighting the inherent limitations of the law. The law, with its repeated sacrifices, served as a "shadow of the good things to come" (Hebrews 10:1). It was not capable of truly perfecting those who worshiped. The sacrifices were offered year after year, a constant reminder of sins (Hebrews 10:3), not a permanent removal of them. The law reveals our sinfulness and weakness; it can only condemn. The very act of repeating the sacrifices demonstrated their inability to fully atone for sin. As Hebrews 10:4 emphatically states, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." God never intended for the Old Testament sacrificial system to fully and finally address the problem of sin, but to prepare and point the way to something better. The Old Covenant was designed to symbolize the coming of the New Covenant.
Christ's Perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:5-10)
In contrast to the repetitive and ineffective sacrifices of the old covenant, Jesus Christ came to offer a single, perfect sacrifice that would truly atone for sin. Quoting from Psalm 40:6-8 (as found in the Septuagint), the author emphasizes that God desired obedience and a willing heart, rather than mere ritualistic offerings. "Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me" (Hebrews 10:5). Jesus, in obedience to the Father's will, offered himself as that perfect sacrifice. "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). This "once for all" sacrifice is the cornerstone of the new covenant. Everything you have broken, he has kept. If you have trusted in Christ, he dwells in you; therefore, you have the fulfillment of God’s standard within you. By Christ’s death, you have been sanctified—that is, you’ve been set apart for God’s purposes and glory.
The Finality of Christ's Work (Hebrews 10:11-18)
The author further contrasts the Levitical priests, who stood daily offering the same sacrifices that could never take away sins (Hebrews 10:11), with Jesus, who "after offering for all time one sacrifice for sins, sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12). The act of sitting signifies the completion of his work. Israel’s high priest never sat down because his work was never done. But Jesus finished the job. And when he sat, it was in the seat of authority to exercise his kingdom rule.
From his throne, this priest-king is waiting until his enemies are made his footstool (Hebrews 10:13). At Christ’s return, everyone—those who submit to him now and those who don’t—will be placed under his authority, and he will rule in his millennial kingdom. Let his righteous program, then, be what guides your decision-making and actions. For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). By his grace, he accomplished God’s purposes for you and set you apart for his use. He has defeated Satan and sin so that nothing separates you from God. He has redeemed you forever: your salvation cannot be lost. Why give your life in service to anyone else?
Quoting Jeremiah 31:33-34, the author reiterates the key promises of the new covenant: "I will put my laws into their hearts, and on their minds I will write them," and "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more" (Hebrews 10:16-17). Because of Christ's sacrifice, there is now complete forgiveness. "Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin" (Hebrews 10:18). Thus, you are freed to walk with the Lord, to please him, and to pursue his purpose for your life.
An Exhortation to Draw Near (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Having established the theological foundation, the author transitions to a practical application. "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:19-22).
In light of who Jesus is and what he has done (7:1–10:18), we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). The author is again using the imagery of the tabernacle. You couldn’t just go waltzing into God’s presence in the most holy place. Only the high priest could enter and only once a year. But through the blood of Jesus our great high priest, the curtain between God and humanity has been removed (Hebrews 10:20-21). Access has been granted. You can now enter into the presence of God—and you can come with confidence. You don’t have to be ashamed. You don’t have to tip-toe.
This access to God should lead to a life characterized by:
Sincere Faith: Drawing near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22). Prayer becomes vibrant when we become real. Everything changes when you realize that Jesus has already dealt with the things you’re ashamed to discuss.
Unwavering Hope: Holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Don’t persist in rebellion against God. Pursue Christ and grow in grace!
Loving Fellowship: Considering how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25). The author emphasizes the importance of community and mutual encouragement. Connecting to a vibrant, biblically based, loving church is a critical tool that can steer us away from disobedience so that we can avert sin’s consequences and divine discipline. Believers who are not a functioning part of a local church are living outside of the will of God and limiting God’s work in their lives. Remember, when your “get-up-and-go” has gotten up and gone, you need someone who can lift you up. Furthermore, there’s someone ready to throw in the towel who needs you to walk alongside him or her. We need to be practicing the “one-anothers,” encouraging each other as [we] see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
A Warning Against Apostasy (Hebrews 10:26-31)
The chapter takes a serious turn with a solemn warning against deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). This is not a warning about occasional failings, but about a conscious and willful rejection of Christ. The idea here is willful sin against God, a sin committed because a believer develops a defiant spirit. Think of a teenager who, when corrected for disobedience, becomes stubborn and says to his parents, “I don’t care what you say.”
Houston, we have a problem! This is rebellion. And it has to be dealt with because unaddressed rebellion only gets worse and can spread. What we see in this passage is not a description of a struggling believer who sins. This is willful rebellion. That’s why the author uses the word “deliberately.” This is a determined mindset to have one’s own way.
The consequences of such apostasy are dire: "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26-27). The author emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting God's grace, drawing a parallel to the consequences of disregarding the Mosaic law (Hebrews 10:28). If you persist willfully in the very sin for which Christ died to set you free, you’ve trampled on the Son of God . . . regarded as profane the blood of the covenant and insulted the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). Such is the willful rebellion of believers who treat with contempt the high sacrificial price paid by God’s Son to bring us our great salvation. God will not ignore this. The sacrifice that saves you from the eternal consequences of sin will not necessarily deliver you from the consequences of sin in history. The Lord vows to judge his people (Hebrews 10:30). This is not the side of God you want to see, because it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31; see Romans 11:22).
Encouragement to Persevere (Hebrews 10:32-39)
Despite the stern warning, the author quickly shifts back to encouragement. He reminds his readers of their past endurance in the face of suffering and persecution (Hebrews 10:32-34). Though he’s delivered a stern warning to his readers so they might avoid indulging a rebellious heart, the author immediately follows it up with warm encouragement. He urges them to remember the earlier days—that is, to recall what it was like after they were first saved. Their passion for Christ and for the gospel was so strong that they endured intense sufferings, mistreatment, and the confiscation of their property. They didn’t quit but sympathized with others who were similarly mistreated. “Persevere as you did before,” the author tells them in essence. “Don’t give up now!”
He urges them not to throw away their confidence, for it has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35). Not only is there severe discipline for those who rebel, but there is reward for those who obey: Don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35). The author calls them to endurance so that they may do God’s will and receive what was promised. God always keeps his promises. But notice what the writer says: you receive what was promised after you have done the Lord’s will (Hebrews 10:36). The promise, the reward, the inheritance—some of which is granted in history and the rest in eternity—is attached to performing the will of God.
Quoting Habakkuk 2:3-4, he emphasizes that "the one who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:37-38). Make no mistake: the Coming One will come and not delay (Hebrews 10:37). He will move on our behalf in history as we trust and obey him (James 5:7-8). If you want to experience his pleasure now and when he comes, then keep moving forward, press on to maturity, and live by faith (Hebrews 10:38). You became a Christian by faith, and you can only live the Christian life by faith. The author expresses his confidence that his readers are not among those who shrink back, but among those who have faith and preserve their souls (Hebrews 10:39). The author is confident that his readers are not like those who draw back but those who have faith. He’s talking to believers, describing the difference between those who do and do not experience God’s deliverance from or through circumstances.
The longer the obedience takes, the longer it takes for the promise to be fulfilled.
Israel should have possessed the promised land in minimal time. However, it took them forty years to enter—not because the promise changed but because they refused to do God’s will. And sadly, in the end, it required a new generation of Israelites to accomplish the work and receive the promise.
Remember the three-fold process discussed in the commentary on 3:7-11? Deliverance, development, and destiny are each parts of God’s process. You never get to skip the development stage. God wants to change your character, not just your circumstances. He’s working to make you more like Jesus.
Hebrews 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the superiority of Christ's sacrifice and the importance of persevering in faith. It calls us to embrace the new covenant with confidence, draw near to God with sincerity, and encourage one another in love, while also warning us against the dangers of rejecting God's grace. The following chapter will further explore the theme of faith, providing examples of those who lived by faith and obtained God's promises.
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let 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.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews 10 is a pivotal chapter, marking both the culmination of a detailed theological argument and a transition into practical exhortations. For several chapters (beginning in Hebrews 7), the author of Hebrews has meticulously built a case for the superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ over the old covenant system of animal sacrifices. This chapter brings that argument to a resounding close (Hebrews 10:1-18) and then pivots towards applying these truths to the lives of his readers (Hebrews 10:19-39), urging them to persevere in their faith. This call to action is underscored by both encouragement and a stark warning against turning away from the truth. Hebrews 10 is a call to embrace the fullness of God's grace and live a life of unwavering faith.
The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:1-4)
The author begins by highlighting the inherent limitations of the law. The law, with its repeated sacrifices, served as a "shadow of the good things to come" (Hebrews 10:1). It was not capable of truly perfecting those who worshiped. The sacrifices were offered year after year, a constant reminder of sins (Hebrews 10:3), not a permanent removal of them. The law reveals our sinfulness and weakness; it can only condemn. The very act of repeating the sacrifices demonstrated their inability to fully atone for sin. As Hebrews 10:4 emphatically states, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." God never intended for the Old Testament sacrificial system to fully and finally address the problem of sin, but to prepare and point the way to something better. The Old Covenant was designed to symbolize the coming of the New Covenant.
Christ's Perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:5-10)
In contrast to the repetitive and ineffective sacrifices of the old covenant, Jesus Christ came to offer a single, perfect sacrifice that would truly atone for sin. Quoting from Psalm 40:6-8 (as found in the Septuagint), the author emphasizes that God desired obedience and a willing heart, rather than mere ritualistic offerings. "Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me" (Hebrews 10:5). Jesus, in obedience to the Father's will, offered himself as that perfect sacrifice. "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). This "once for all" sacrifice is the cornerstone of the new covenant. Everything you have broken, he has kept. If you have trusted in Christ, he dwells in you; therefore, you have the fulfillment of God’s standard within you. By Christ’s death, you have been sanctified—that is, you’ve been set apart for God’s purposes and glory.
The Finality of Christ's Work (Hebrews 10:11-18)
The author further contrasts the Levitical priests, who stood daily offering the same sacrifices that could never take away sins (Hebrews 10:11), with Jesus, who "after offering for all time one sacrifice for sins, sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12). The act of sitting signifies the completion of his work. Israel’s high priest never sat down because his work was never done. But Jesus finished the job. And when he sat, it was in the seat of authority to exercise his kingdom rule.
From his throne, this priest-king is waiting until his enemies are made his footstool (Hebrews 10:13). At Christ’s return, everyone—those who submit to him now and those who don’t—will be placed under his authority, and he will rule in his millennial kingdom. Let his righteous program, then, be what guides your decision-making and actions. For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). By his grace, he accomplished God’s purposes for you and set you apart for his use. He has defeated Satan and sin so that nothing separates you from God. He has redeemed you forever: your salvation cannot be lost. Why give your life in service to anyone else?
Quoting Jeremiah 31:33-34, the author reiterates the key promises of the new covenant: "I will put my laws into their hearts, and on their minds I will write them," and "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more" (Hebrews 10:16-17). Because of Christ's sacrifice, there is now complete forgiveness. "Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin" (Hebrews 10:18). Thus, you are freed to walk with the Lord, to please him, and to pursue his purpose for your life.
An Exhortation to Draw Near (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Having established the theological foundation, the author transitions to a practical application. "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:19-22).
In light of who Jesus is and what he has done (7:1–10:18), we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). The author is again using the imagery of the tabernacle. You couldn’t just go waltzing into God’s presence in the most holy place. Only the high priest could enter and only once a year. But through the blood of Jesus our great high priest, the curtain between God and humanity has been removed (Hebrews 10:20-21). Access has been granted. You can now enter into the presence of God—and you can come with confidence. You don’t have to be ashamed. You don’t have to tip-toe.
This access to God should lead to a life characterized by:
Sincere Faith: Drawing near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22). Prayer becomes vibrant when we become real. Everything changes when you realize that Jesus has already dealt with the things you’re ashamed to discuss.
Unwavering Hope: Holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Don’t persist in rebellion against God. Pursue Christ and grow in grace!
Loving Fellowship: Considering how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25). The author emphasizes the importance of community and mutual encouragement. Connecting to a vibrant, biblically based, loving church is a critical tool that can steer us away from disobedience so that we can avert sin’s consequences and divine discipline. Believers who are not a functioning part of a local church are living outside of the will of God and limiting God’s work in their lives. Remember, when your “get-up-and-go” has gotten up and gone, you need someone who can lift you up. Furthermore, there’s someone ready to throw in the towel who needs you to walk alongside him or her. We need to be practicing the “one-anothers,” encouraging each other as [we] see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
A Warning Against Apostasy (Hebrews 10:26-31)
The chapter takes a serious turn with a solemn warning against deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). This is not a warning about occasional failings, but about a conscious and willful rejection of Christ. The idea here is willful sin against God, a sin committed because a believer develops a defiant spirit. Think of a teenager who, when corrected for disobedience, becomes stubborn and says to his parents, “I don’t care what you say.”
Houston, we have a problem! This is rebellion. And it has to be dealt with because unaddressed rebellion only gets worse and can spread. What we see in this passage is not a description of a struggling believer who sins. This is willful rebellion. That’s why the author uses the word “deliberately.” This is a determined mindset to have one’s own way.
The consequences of such apostasy are dire: "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26-27). The author emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting God's grace, drawing a parallel to the consequences of disregarding the Mosaic law (Hebrews 10:28). If you persist willfully in the very sin for which Christ died to set you free, you’ve trampled on the Son of God . . . regarded as profane the blood of the covenant and insulted the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). Such is the willful rebellion of believers who treat with contempt the high sacrificial price paid by God’s Son to bring us our great salvation. God will not ignore this. The sacrifice that saves you from the eternal consequences of sin will not necessarily deliver you from the consequences of sin in history. The Lord vows to judge his people (Hebrews 10:30). This is not the side of God you want to see, because it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31; see Romans 11:22).
Encouragement to Persevere (Hebrews 10:32-39)
Despite the stern warning, the author quickly shifts back to encouragement. He reminds his readers of their past endurance in the face of suffering and persecution (Hebrews 10:32-34). Though he’s delivered a stern warning to his readers so they might avoid indulging a rebellious heart, the author immediately follows it up with warm encouragement. He urges them to remember the earlier days—that is, to recall what it was like after they were first saved. Their passion for Christ and for the gospel was so strong that they endured intense sufferings, mistreatment, and the confiscation of their property. They didn’t quit but sympathized with others who were similarly mistreated. “Persevere as you did before,” the author tells them in essence. “Don’t give up now!”
He urges them not to throw away their confidence, for it has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35). Not only is there severe discipline for those who rebel, but there is reward for those who obey: Don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35). The author calls them to endurance so that they may do God’s will and receive what was promised. God always keeps his promises. But notice what the writer says: you receive what was promised after you have done the Lord’s will (Hebrews 10:36). The promise, the reward, the inheritance—some of which is granted in history and the rest in eternity—is attached to performing the will of God.
Quoting Habakkuk 2:3-4, he emphasizes that "the one who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:37-38). Make no mistake: the Coming One will come and not delay (Hebrews 10:37). He will move on our behalf in history as we trust and obey him (James 5:7-8). If you want to experience his pleasure now and when he comes, then keep moving forward, press on to maturity, and live by faith (Hebrews 10:38). You became a Christian by faith, and you can only live the Christian life by faith. The author expresses his confidence that his readers are not among those who shrink back, but among those who have faith and preserve their souls (Hebrews 10:39). The author is confident that his readers are not like those who draw back but those who have faith. He’s talking to believers, describing the difference between those who do and do not experience God’s deliverance from or through circumstances.
The longer the obedience takes, the longer it takes for the promise to be fulfilled.
Israel should have possessed the promised land in minimal time. However, it took them forty years to enter—not because the promise changed but because they refused to do God’s will. And sadly, in the end, it required a new generation of Israelites to accomplish the work and receive the promise.
Remember the three-fold process discussed in the commentary on 3:7-11? Deliverance, development, and destiny are each parts of God’s process. You never get to skip the development stage. God wants to change your character, not just your circumstances. He’s working to make you more like Jesus.
Hebrews 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the superiority of Christ's sacrifice and the importance of persevering in faith. It calls us to embrace the new covenant with confidence, draw near to God with sincerity, and encourage one another in love, while also warning us against the dangers of rejecting God's grace. The following chapter will further explore the theme of faith, providing examples of those who lived by faith and obtained God's promises.