v1-4: There is a better sacrifice - the body of Jesus Christ.

The fact that animal sacrifices were repeated proved their ineffectiveness in dealing with sins. The worshipper was not made perfect, nor was his guilt dealt with. The sacrifices brought a reminder of sins, although doubtless with some repentance. Animal blood was shed in accordance with God's law, but it was impossible that it could take away sins. The scripture here is clear - the law was only ever a shadow of the better things which came in Christ.

‘And this appears, first, from the continual recurrence and the multiplicity of these sacrifices, which are intended the one to supplement the other, and yet always leave something still to be supplemented; and secondly, from the broad fact that, in general, it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.’ (Alfred Edersheim, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services)

v5-10: Christ's offering of Himself fulfilled the scriptures, in particular, Ps 40.6-8, which is quoted here. The writer explains how the scripture is fulfilled.

There were sacrifices and offerings according to the law (v8), but Christ's offering was not according to the law, although the law was perfectly fulfilled.

The Hebrew poetic form links two statements;

• a body you prepared for me; and
• Here I am...I have come to do your will, O God.

These both speak of Christ's life, which was characterised by perfect obedience. This is essential, since the righteousness of God was manifest in His life. We are sanctified because He is perfect. The new covenant was established through which we are made holy through Christ's sacrifice of Himself. The sacrifice is of the very "body of Jesus Christ."

Israel had fallen into the error of exalting "sacrifice and offering" over simple obedience and devotion, see 1 Sam 15.22; Is 1.10-17; Jer 7.4-7; Mic 6.6-8; these are consistent with Psalm 40 quoted here.

v11: The contrast of the O.T. priest, standing ministering daily, an ongoing uncompleted work. Those sacrifices offered could never take away sins. As in v2, the very repetition of them was evidence of their ineffectiveness to deal with sin.

v12: Christ offered the single, perfect, sufficient, sacrifice of Himself. This was once for all and once for ever. He sat down (1.3), since His work is finished. 'God's age-long plan of substitutionary salvation has at last been given perfect expression, accomplishment, and finality' (Alec Motyer, Loving the Old Testament, page 75).

v13: Christ waits for the fulfilment of God's promises, 1 Cor 15.25. All things will be made subject to Him. He will be rightfully ruler of all.

v14: One offering, powerful, achieving eternal redemption, bringing perfection for all who are "in Him". We are justified ("made perfect"); although there is a continuing work to attain true holiness in our lives.

v15-17: After all, this had been long promised by God. The new covenant will be something internal and spiritual, not a set of outward rules imposed. Laws written on hearts and minds will be obeyed. Further, God promised to deal with their sins forever; this is only through Christ's sacrifice.

v18: There is forgiveness, and no need to a further sacrifice for sins. As in Gal 5.23, against these things there is no law; for us the law is obsolete, and cannot profit.

The teaching to this point is now applied in practical ways. True doctrine must affect our lives, our character, our behaviour, our relationship with God.

v19-25: We have confidence to draw near to God; here are 5 specific encouragements and 5 specific commands. The writer's first application is anything but burdensome; our joyful duty is to draw near to God. And everything has been done to make that possible for us.

v19: We have confidence (boldness) to enter the presence of God by the blood of Jesus Christ.

v20: We have a new and living way, His flesh; referring also to the torn veil in the temple (9.8; Matt 27.51). For the Jew, this was indeed new, since the veil had been a barrier to him; now in Christ he can enjoy access directly to the Father.

v21: We have a great priest; Christ's continuing ministry on behalf of all who believe in Him, referring to 3.1-6; 4.14-16.

v22: The first command, "let us draw near to God".

A "sincere heart" comes from His work in our lives; "full assurance of faith" again is God's work. The gift of salvation includes this access (Rom 5.2) "into this grace"; hence we enter the presence of God, and enjoy the promises of God.

We have our hearts sprinkled, dealing with a guilty conscience; we have our bodies washed, cleansing from unrighteousness; we can therefore approach on the basis of "no condemnation" (Rom 8.1).

v23: The second command, "let us hold unswervingly", without wavering. We can and must hold on to Him, keeping the faith, and keeping on. We must not depart from the truths of Christ. We can hold on because He is faithful.

v24-25: The third command, to consider others, encouraging them to love and good works, 3.13; Acts 7.16. We are encouraged to love one another, thus encouraging others to do the same.

The fourth command, to continue meeting together, maintaining regular fellowship. Some had fallen into the habit of forsaking meeting together. In our day, many neglect fellowship. Regular fellowship is a mark of true faith.

The fifth command, to encourage each other, especially to obey the command to fellowship together. Our faith is something corporate; it may be personal, but it is not private.

We have a further motivation and encouragement; the Day is approaching, the Day of God's judgment upon the world, and upon His people. We will be judged for how we lived; which judgment will drive us on in obedience to God.

v26-31: The peril of rejection. These verses describe deliberate and continual sin, apostasy, rejecting Christ. These verses appear to refer to a specifically Jewish experience, where they had not truly accepted Christ; the apostate has expectation only of judgment. They knew something of the restraint of the law, and had some knowledge of the things of Christ, but finally they turned from Him.

They will perish on the testimony of the three witnesses, the Son, the Word, the Spirit (v29).

This aspect of God's character is not unknown or secret. Indeed, to fall into the hands of the living God is something dreadful. We learn to correctly handle the word of truth (2 Tim 2.15), and we see that these words are not addressed to the faithful Christian.

v32-34: Enduring trials, a characteristic of Christian experience. These Jewish Christians had identified with others who had suffered. Their compassion brought suffering to them also. They saw the enduring possession in Heaven, and maintained a loose hold on the things of this world. God's faithfulness gives us strength to stand in difficult days.

v35: In the face of difficulties, do not turn away, cling onto Christ. There is a great reward that may be lost.

v36: We need endurance for obedience today, and great blessing for the future.

v37: We should be motivated by Christ's coming.

v38-39: The two alternatives; live by faith, or shrink back.

The Hebrew Christians had begun well, as evidenced by "those earlier days", but some doubts and trials had shaken their faith. This letter was written, amongst other things, to call them back to a full commitment to Christ.