Hebrews 10:1-4 - It's obvious, in hindsight, that the temple system, as a copy of the realities in heaven, could not fully cleanse those who participated in it. But look at what he says in verse 2. He says that if those sacrifices had been perfect, the worshipers "would no longer have any consciousness of sins". Isn't the implication here that since Jesus' sacrifice is perfect, that we who have been cleansed should no longer have any consciousness of our sins. Does that describe you? Me neither, however, it is illuminating as to what our attitude ought to be in regard to our past sins.
Hebrews 10:11-14 - Stop for a minute and take in this picture of Jesus. Seated and comfortable because he work on our behalf is complete, awaiting a footstool made from his enemies.
Hebrews 10:17 - If God himself has decided to remember our sins no more, why should we?
Hebrews 10:19 - We have confidence to enter the most holy place. I imagine on that once per year when the high priest entered the most holy place,he likely did so tentatively, having made sure, double and triple checked that he had met all the requirements. But because of Jesus, we already have full confidence to enter ourselves.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - This passage, so often used to admonish those who have stopped coming to church, is powerless separated from the few verses before which themselves rest on the preceding chapters. Having such a great savior, having such a superior sacrifice, having such confidence to enter - why would you not want to be around other disciples? Not out of an obligation to obey, if that's why then you've forgotten what has been done for you. Taken as a commandment, it has no more power than any other. No, it is in light of Jesus and what he's done, the amazing grace bestowed upon you, that you cannot help but long to be around those who share it as well.
Hebrews 10:26-31 - If after Jesus went so far to redeem you, after the lengths he was willing to go to is known, if then you still treat sin casually, as if it wasn't a big deal or if it didn't matter, then there is nothing left. Jesus left no more room for additional redemption, he went all the way,as far as there is to go, to make our redemption sure, undoubted and absolutely complete. If we then refuse to take sin seriously, we have nothing to expect but the wrath of God.
Hebrews 10:32-39 - Read between the lines here. This book wasn't written primarily to prove to the Hebrews the truth of the gospel, nor to give them insight into its inner workings, although it does both. No, these were folks who had forgotten what they had received and he longs for them to be reignited by the fire of the gospel, the glory that is in what Jesus had done for them. It was no less glorious, but the memory of it had faded. We all need to be reminded, on a regular basis, of the glories of the gospel that we might not shrink back into a like of sin and guilt.
