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Hebrews 7-10 Listen
How 'bout that Melchisedek? (Hebrews 7)
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Introduced in Hebrews 5:1-10 (see notes), it's now time to fully develop Melchisedek, the high priest...of everyone, not just Hebrews. Paul had taken an aside from Hebrews 5:11 to 6:20 regarding their immaturity in the principles of the faith. Now, in verse 1 of chapter 7, he again takes up the issue of Melchisedek.
Here's the deal. Hebrew priests came from the tribe of Levi. Prophetically, however, the Messiah must be a descendant of the same tribe (Judah) as King David, since he is to be his descendant. Though technically, the original high priest was not Aaron, but rather Melchisedek - all the way back to Psalm 110 (see notes) says the following in verse 4, "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." So, this concept was not new by revelation to Paul; it was an old, established principle of scripture that the Messiah would be a descendant of David AND a priest after the order of Melchisedek, not Aaron.
Now Paul describes Melchisedek in a very interesting way in Hebrews 7:3, "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." Some scholars have sought to explain this away as simply a figure of speech, but the attributes listed in these verses are so specific, I can only assume that God incarnate is being described. Now, work with me here. Colossians 2:9 (see notes) says, "For in him [Jesus Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." I make what I consider to be a solid assumption based upon that verse and others regarding the deity of Jesus: Jesus Christ is the only physical body that the Godhead ever had. If you agree with that assumption, then Melchisedek must have been a manifestation of Jesus Christ himself to Abraham. That is unless, of course, you want to develop a doctrine that God has another human form other than that of Jesus Christ. I, personally, prefer not to make that trip with you.
So, if you can accept the supernatural priesthood of Melchisedek (and why couldn't you?), then it just makes sense, to Paul and to us, that the supernatural priesthood and not the earthly priesthood (of Aaron) should be represented by the Messiah. This supernatural priesthood, first seen in Genesis 14:17-24 (see notes), precedes that of Aaron and runs throughout the ages as the true supernatural priesthood. So, you see, Jesus Christ fulfills prophecy by being a high priest as well as a king after the lineage of David. That's the point of chapter 7 - the eternal, sinless priesthood of Jesus Christ.
With that overview, let's look more closely at the passage.
In verses 1-4 we see the qualities of Melchisedek as follows:
I am amazed that, with a list of attributes like those in verses 1-4, there are still those who maintain that Melchisedek was a mere human serving as king of Jerusalem. There is no doubt that Jerusalem was in existence in Genesis 14. Based upon its Babylonian name (Uru-Salim, "the city of Salim"), one is led to conclude that its inhabitants in Abraham's day were all polytheistic pagans. We know that it was a Jebusite stronghold before King David captured it. Instead, Paul interprets the reference to "Salem" in (see notes) with the Hebrew equivalent for the word, "peace," making it a figurative reference (verse 2) i.e. "King of Peace." The fact that Abraham recognized him as a priest by giving him tithes, seals the deal for Paul when he mentions that fact again in verse 4. Furthermore, Paul's intentions in verse 3 seems unmistakably aimed at proving to his readers that Melchizedek was no mere human; those attributes of eternal existence only apply to God himself.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Paul uses the tithe of Genesis 14:18 (see notes) as his proof that Abraham recognized Melchizedek as the heavenly (as opposed to earthly) high priest before and after Aaron's priesthood in verses 5-10. Here's the reasoning Paul proposes: Abraham, the father of the Levites, paid tithes to Melchizedek as the high priest. That being the case, Melchizedek is "better" (verse 7). That priest, Melchizedek, still lives (verse 8). Therefore, the Levites paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham (verses 9-10), thus making his priesthood superior to that of the Levites. This proposition only works when we recognize that Melchizedek is eternal in this context. If, as some contend, Melchizedek was a mere human back in Abraham's day, this whole proposition makes no sense.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
To the Hebrews, this effective termination of the Levitical priesthood is a potential deal breaker. Why? Because the Levitical priesthood is an integral part of the Mosaic Law; they go hand in hand; you can't void one without the other. Hmmmm...that does seem to be a problem, doesn't it. Well...not really...since Christ fulfilled the Law (Psalm 110:4 (see notes), "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." That Messianic declaration by David invokes the eternal existence of the priesthood of Melchizedek.
That being said, here's the question of verse 11: Why was it necessary for the priesthood of Melchizedek to be continued and not the priesthood of Aaron? The short answer is in verse 12; the priesthood changed because the law changed. Verses 13-14 point out that Levitical priests are descendants of Aaron, but Jesus was a physical descendant of Judah. However, Jesus is a priest after Melchizedek, not according to Mosaic Law (verses 15-17). Then in verses 18-19 we get a general assessment regarding the current status of the Mosaic Law, insomuch that there has been a "disannulling of the commandment." That word "disannulling" comes from the Greek word "athetesis" which means "cancellation." Why has the law been disannulled? Verse 19 tells us "the law made nothing perfect." It goes on to say that "the bringing in of a better hope did." That better hope is Jesus Christ.
Now for another contrast between the Aaronic priesthood and that of Melchizedek (Jesus) in verses 20-24: Levitical priests were not selected with an oath, but Jesus was according to Psalm 110:4 (see notes), "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek." There's your oath! Verse 22 succinctly says, "By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." The word "surety" (Greek: egguos) means "guarantor" and the Greek word for "testament" (diatheke) means "covenant." The priesthood of Melchisedek was established by God himself with a covenant...an oath. Verses 23-24 address the permanence of the Melchizedek priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. There were many Levitical priests because they kept dying. However, verse 24 says, "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood." Do you still wonder if Melchizedek was Jesus after a statement like that? Verses 25-27 emphasize that Jesus is perfect and eternal while verse 28 tells us that those Levitical priests were mere mortals with their own sin to deal with as well.
As we move into chapter 8, one verse from chapter 7 needs to stick in our minds; verse 12 says, "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law." Let's look at this major change of the law in chapter 8.
A better mediator; a better covenant (Hebrews 8)
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Paul told us in 7:12 (see above) that we were in for a major change with regard to the law. To ease us into it, he begins chapter 8 with a summation of his argument from chapter 7:
Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Hebrews 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
Obviously, Jesus is the high priest of verse 1, and he's seated in heaven where the "true tabernacle" is located in contrast to the tabernacle/temple on earth.
Understand the picture here:
Verses 3-5 go on to add that the Levitical priests had prescribed offerings, but Jesus made one offering once for all. That implication is found in these three verses, but the actual statement appears later in this discourse when he says in Hebrews 10:10 (Exodus 25:40 (see notes), "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount." That pattern, he asserts, was taken from the true tabernacle in heaven.
So, what is this change with regard to the Law of Moses? It's the provisions of the New Covenant which replace the provisions of the Law of Moses found here in verses 6-12. However, it's not a revolutionary new idea; Paul is quoting Jeremiah 31:31-34 (see notes); there you have it - the terms of the new covenant with Israel. The new covenant consists of an inward law written onto one's heart rather than an external law like the Law of Moses. It's a description of New Testament salvation in Christ. The complete fulfillment of the covenant for the Jews does not take place until every Jew is saved under its conditions - the conditions that will exist for the first time on the first day of the millennium. So, while we are today saved by its conditions, the whole nation of Israel (per the covenant) will not be saved by those conditions until the millennium.
Paul explains that this new covenant is administered by the Messiah. In setting up this new covenant before his readers, Paul explains that the Messiah (verses 1-7) is not working from a pattern of true things like Moses and Aaron, but he is working with the true things themselves in Heaven. Here's the picture: The Old Testament tabernacle was a picture of the true tabernacle in Heaven; the Old Testament priest was a picture of the true priesthood. Let's get a peek ahead at a verse in the next chapter, Hebrews 9:24 (see below), "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:" In other words, the Old Testament priesthood and law were temporary provisions from God until the permanent solution arrives, Jesus Christ himself. Paul is telling these Hebrew Christians, "The permanent solution is here!" So, what do we do with the old covenant - the priesthood and the keeping of the law? Look at verse 13, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." The problem: these Hebrew Christians were hanging onto the Law of Moses; they just had trouble turning loose. And...that's why Paul wrote the Book of Hebrews.
Let's review the tabernacle/temple (Hebrews 9:1-10)
1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Paul uses the first 7 verses to describe the tabernacle/temple setup and the function of the Aaronic high priest and the other priests within. He caps off this description with a reference to the activity of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement described in Leviticus 16 (see notes). Why was it necessary that the High Priest do the same sacrifice each and every year? He gives the answer in verse 8 when he says, "...the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest." Verse 9 tells us, "...that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;" In other words, no perfection was attained in this process.
If you'd like to review the Old Testament Tabernacle, click here to read beginning with Exodus 25 where you will also find photos of replicas.
Incidentally, let's make a point of clarification here on Hebrews 9:4; the Ark of the Covenant's contents are described in this verse as being "...the golden pot that had manna, and Aarons rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant." That was certainly true in the period being discussed here; but later on, two of these three items had disappeared out of the Ark. By the time the Ark was moved into its new home, Solomon's Temple, I Kings 8:9 (see notes). Somewhere between Aaron and Solomon the rod and the manna had been removed.
Verse 10 has an interesting statement regarding the appropriate time for the termination of those sacrifices made in that Old Testament tabernacle when he specifies, "until the time of reformation." The Greek word for "reformation" (diorthosis) is only used here in the New Testament; it means "to set straight." That undoubtedly refers to the moment when the new covenant took effect at the time of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
We got your perfection right here (Hebrews 9:11-28)
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
What do we do about that perfection problem raised in the first 10 verses of this chapter? Notice verse 11, "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;" This calls for a supernatural solution, and Jesus Christ is that solution. These verses compare the less-than-perfect rituals of Aaron and his descendants (the priests) outlined in the first 10 verses with the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
Verses 11-15 draw a comparison on sacrifices - animal sacrifices in the Old Testament - the blood of a sinless Jesus in the New Testament. Incidentally, the word "testament" and "covenant" are exactly the same. They are both translated from the Greek word "diatheke." Those sacrifices are found in Numbers 19 (see notes).
16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Admittedly, the argument Paul makes in verses 16-23 is a little difficult to follow, but it's really quite simple. Just as the old covenant involving the tabernacle and the priests was validated by the blood sacrifice of animals, the new covenant is validated by Jesus Christ himself with his own sacrificial blood. The high priest made annual sacrifices on the Day of Atonement on behalf of all the people. Christ offered one blood sacrifice (his own blood) that was sufficient for all time. The key verse here is verse 24, "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:" There is no earthly replica for Christ; only the real tabernacle in Heaven will do! So, you see, the Old Testament sacrifices were pictures of a perfect sacrifice to come, Christ himself...and just once.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Verses 24-28 make another differentiation between the covenants - the efficacy of the sacrifices themselves. This becomes an important point moving into the discussion found in chapter 10. Here's the contrast: Old Testament sacrifices were offered over and over again, but Jesus was sacrificed just one time. The sacrifice on the Day of Atonement is in view in verse 25 when the high priest offered a sacrifice for sins each year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16, see notes). Get ready for a new paradigm in worship - the single sacrifice for sin i.e. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. Paul uses the last few verses of this chapter to set this argument up in chapter 10. A single-pay sacrifice was a foreign concept to a Jew. The old covenant provided that a single sacrifice simply wouldn't do it; repeated sacrifices was the standard practice. However, there was just one Christ and one sacrifice. What will we do about this dilemma? How does one reach perfection? The answer is in chapter 10.
Incidentally, many like to use verse 27 in many applications regarding death so as to say that all men die once. Of course, that is the way of nature. However, Paul himself in I Corinthians 15:51-58 (see notes) identifies a whole generation of Believers who will not, in fact, die. Those are the ones who will be raptured (without dying).
A once and for all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-23)
1 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.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 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;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 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;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
You simply must pay close attention to Hebrews 10:1, "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." That's the problem; the Law could make no one perfect, but Christ's sacrifice could. Paul quotes from Psalms 40:6-8 (see notes) here in verses 5-8, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:" Verses 9-10 make it clear that the old sacrificial system is over. In reality, many Jewish Christians kept making those sacrifices at the temple. That's one big futile practice Paul is correcting with this Book of Hebrews. Of course, when the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D., that practice stopped.
In verses 11-14, the distinction between Christ and those Aaronic priests is again emphasized with his reference to Psalm 110 (see notes), regarded by all Jews as clearly referring to the Messiah. The "footstool" reference of verse 13 is clearly from Psalm 110:1, "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
Then there's the function of the priest; that's gone also. Jesus made the once-for-all sacrifice and put those priests at the temple out of work. In verses 15-18, he then reiterates the conditions of the human heart as a result of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34, see notes). This is a follow up to what he said in Hebrews 8 (see above). It's all written inside our hearts.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 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.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Verses 19-23 itemize the process. We are our own priests; there's no room for someone else to do it for us. Christ is the high priest who made the sacrifice once and for all. Verse 19 would have been quite inflammatory to the priests and observant Jews of the day - a commoners entrance into the "Holy of Holies" (see Tabernacle layout above). That authorizes Believers to go where only Aaronic priests went before. And that's our promise from God.
The "veil" (verse 20) that separated the holy place from the Holy of Holies is passed through by Believers through "his flesh," the death of Jesus on the cross. He, therefore, is our high priest (verse 21). Just as the priests were consecrated in Leviticus 8 (see notes) through blood sprinkling and washing, so are Believers consecrated in Jesus Christ (verse 22). Our "hearts" are sprinkled and our "bodies" are washed with "pure" (Greek: katharos) water. Just as there was a physical washing in Leviticus 8, this verse identifies a true spiritual washing as a result of Jesus' sacrifice. Verse 23 then emphasizes that Believers should rest (without wavering) upon the finished work of Christ on the cross.
No relapse for these Hebrew Christians (Hebrews 10:24-39)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 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.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 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?
30 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.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 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.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Verses 24-25 encourage positive Christian fellowship among Believers. The emphasis here is that Christians should meet regularly, at which time they "exhort" (Greek: parakaleo) - encourage, console one another. The "day" that approaches is undoubtedly a reference to the catching away of Believers seen in I Corinthians 15:51-58 (see notes).
The terminology in this passage has caused some folks to conclude that these verses are talking about enlightened, but not saved, Hebrews. I do not concur. Verse 26 says, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," Now, "receiving the knowledge of the truth" coupled with "no more sacrifice for sins" tells me that these are saved people. Lost people could in some respect have a "knowledge of the truth," but without having been saved, they would not have already appropriated Christ as the "sacrifice for sins." Therefore, the phrase "NO MORE sacrifice for sins" simply could not be applied to a lost person. I am convinced that this is the same scenario as Hebrews 6:1-6 (see notes). As a matter of fact, it is a continued discussion from Hebrews 6.
Paul goes on to explain how the Israelites were dealt with who spurned the law - physical death. This line of thought continues into chapter 11 with examples of perseverance and into chapter 12 with an indisputable explanation of chastisement of Believers when they sin in I Peter 1:6-7 (see notes) - no lost people there. Hey! Don't jump to conclusions; fire doesn't always mean hell. Here it is an obvious reference to physical chastisement. Read carefully verses 32-39; those are not almost-saved people; they are saved. So, to recap, Paul is telling these Hebrew Christians to persevere and not revert back to their sinful past; to do so will result in physical chastisement from God. I'm convinced that nobody's going to hell in this passage.
Finally, a word of explanation is fitting for verse 39. The Greek structure in this verse does not flow well in English without the addition of some words. Let me give you a word-for-word substitution (Greek to English) without the addition of any extra words: "But we ourselves are not withdrawing to pernicious ways, but of faith to preservation of soul (inner life). The redundant "we ourselves" there indicates that Paul is talking about himself and those laboring with him. While "perdition" rather than "pernicious ways" definitely holds a little different connotation in English, I'm convinced that the context of verses 32-38 is talking about lifestyle rather than destination; either is a valid usage without consideration for context. The Greek word commonly used for "save" (sodzo) is not used here; "peripoiesis" is used. The connotation of that word is "preservation." In short, I'm certain that Paul is speaking of living a life of faith that preserves the inner life (soul) in one's Christian walk. This verse makes no reference whatsoever to the possibility of losing one's salvation. I'm certain of that. He uses this verse to introduce a life of faith, the subject of chapter 11.