Hebrews 10:19-39
Q.1. How are we to approach our great High Priest, Jesus? What is the purpose of fellowship? What difference does our view of the Lord’s coming make? – (Heb.10:19-25 c.f. Lk.18:8)
After explaining the greatness of Christ and His saving work, the writer encouraged believers to approach God with confidence in the efficacy of the precious blood of Jesus to cover all their sins. However, in approaching God, we must also search our hearts – let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Heb.10:22). Thus we can make progress because – He who promised is faithful (Heb.10:23). Fellowship is not confined to our worship of God. We must also consider others. In other words, we have a role toward others, as we – 24 … consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Heb.10:24-25). Fellowship is also about encouraging others to serve Christ, and all the more so, as the day of His return is drawing near.
Q.2. Whom was the writer addressing? To what knowledge of the Truth about Jesus must we cling? How do some people insult the Spirit of grace? – (Heb.10:26-32)
We must not forget the primary reason why the Book of Hebrews was written. It was to prevent Jewish converts from abandoning Christ and returning to Judaism. This is obvious from the statement – How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? (Heb. 10:29). It was a warning to them to not backslide, and thus give up on the merits and the sufficiency of Christ. There is no substitute for the Gospel, and no Saviour apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn.14:6). If we step outside of His sacrifice, we place ourselves back under the wrath of God, and His terrifying judgment against sinners. The writer also warned against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is the unpardonable sin (Mt.12:30-32).
Q.3. How well had these Jews responded to the Gospel? What attitude must we cultivate to receive the promises of God? What does real faith look like? – (Heb.10:32-39)
The writer expressed disappointment that these backsliders had started out so well but were falling away from the Truth – 32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one (Heb.10:32-34). To persevere, we must cultivate endurance and genuine faith. This represents more than a confession with our mouths, but a faith that is demonstrated by practical follow-through. It is a faith that is built on the principles of God’s Word. God is pleased with nothing less than a faith that continues amid opposition and ridicule.