QT 7/3/2026 Heb 10:1-7, A new and better way

Hebrews 10:1–7 (ESV) —

1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,

but a body have you prepared for me;

6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings

you have taken no pleasure.

7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,

as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”

 

NOTE: The author continues the argument that the law was ineffective. It was a shadow or even a copy of the realities of heaven. Repeated offerings only temporarily covered a person's sins and need to be continual habit. They did have the positive effect of reminding us of our sins, but they could never take away our sins. At certain points in the history of Israel, God expresses his dismay with Israel and how tired he was with their repeated offerings.

 

Jesus is the new way to God. His sacrificial death pays the penalty of sin completely. It does not remove sin because the human body inherited sin, but it does free us from slavery to sin and promises a new body untainted by sin. At the rapture, God will resurrect the dead in Christ and those believers who are still alive and will give us new bodies that are not tainted with sin. Then we will be truly free of sin. The dead are free of sin, but only because they have no body. But Jesus is the first fruit of the resurrection, new bodies without the stain of sin.

 

I look forward to that day. It is hard to imagine not struggling with temptation, it seems so ingrained in who I am. But I trust God's magnificent power to recreate life.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I been born again? Then I have the hope of resurrection.

 

PRAYER: Father, I prayed that I continue to grow in grace and knowledge of you. Continue to lead me in your paths. It is now approaching three years since I retired. Is there a new thing or a new direction? Lead me and guide me I pray.