Hebrews 10

Christ's Sacrifice Once for All

1 For since the law has but v a shadow w of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, x 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 y in these sacrifices z there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For a it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

5 Consequently, b when Christ 1 came into the world, he said,
c "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.'"

8 When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in c sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, d "Behold, I have come to do your will." He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will e we have been sanctified through the offering of f the body of Jesus Christ g once for all.

11 And every priest stands h daily at his service, i offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, j which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ 2 had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he k sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time l until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering m he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

16 n "This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
and write them on their minds,"

17 then he adds,
o "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."

18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

The Full Assurance of Faith

19 p Therefore, brothers, 3 since we have confidence to enter q the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by r the new and living way that he opened for us through s the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have t a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts u sprinkled clean v from an evil conscience and our bodies w washed with pure water. 23 x Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for y he who promised is faithful. 24 And z let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 a not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and b all the more as you see c the Day drawing near.

26 For d if we go on sinning deliberately e after receiving the knowledge of the truth, f there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 g but a fearful expectation of judgment, and h a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 i Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy j on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one k who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned l the blood of the covenant m by which he was sanctified, and has n outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, o "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, p "The Lord will judge his people." 31 q It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But recall the former days when, after r you were enlightened, you endured s a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being t publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For u you had compassion on those in prison, and v you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had w a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has x a great reward. 36 For y you have need of endurance, so that z when you have done the will of God you may a receive what is promised.

37 For,
b "Yet a little while,
and c the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 d but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him."

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

  1. Cross References
    Hebrews 8:5
    They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.
    Colossians 2:17
    These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
  2. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:11
    But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent ( not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)
  3. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:9
    (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper.
  4. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:7
    But into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.
  5. Cross References
    Leviticus 16:21
    And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins. And he shall put them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness.
  6. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:11
    And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
  7. Cross References
    Hebrews 1:6
    And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him.
  8. Cross References
    Psalms 40:6 - 8
    In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
  9. Cross References
    Psalms 40:6 - 8
    In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
  10. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:5
    Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me.
  11. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:7
    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.'
  12. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:11
    For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.
    Hebrews 13:12
    So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
  13. Cross References
    Matthew 26:26
    Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body.
    Mark 14:22
    And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body.
    Luke 22:19
    And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
    1 Corinthians 11:24
    And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
    Hebrews 10:5
    Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me.
  14. Cross References
    Hebrews 7:27
    He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
    Hebrews 9:12
    He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
  15. Cross References
    Numbers 28:3
    And you shall say to them, This is the food offering that you shall offer to the Lord : two male lambs a year old without blemish, day by day, as a regular offering.
  16. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:1
    For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
  17. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:1
    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.
    Hebrews 10:4
    For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
    Hebrews 9:9
    (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper.
  18. Cross References
    Hebrews 1:3
    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
    Mark 16:19
    So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
  19. Cross References
    Hebrews 1:13
    And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"?
    1 Corinthians 15:25 - 28
    For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
  20. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:1
    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.
  21. Cross References
    Hebrews 8:10
    For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
    Romans 11:27
    "and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins."
    Jeremiah 31:33
    But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord : I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
  22. Cross References
    Jeremiah 31:33
    But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord : I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
  23. Cross References
    Hebrews 8:12
    For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.
    Jeremiah 31:34
    And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
  24. Cross References
    Jeremiah 31:34
    And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
  25. Cross References
    Hebrews 4:16
    Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
  26. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:25
    Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own.
  27. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:8
    By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing
    John 10:9
    I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
    John 14:6
    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
  28. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:3
    Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place.
  29. Cross References
    Zechariah 6:11 - 13
    Take from them silver and gold, and make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
    Hebrews 4:14
    Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
    Hebrews 2:17
    Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
  30. Cross References
    Ezekiel 36:25
    I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
    Hebrews 12:24
    And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
    2 Corinthians 7:1
    Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
    1 Peter 1:2
    According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
  31. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:14
    How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
  32. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:11
    And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
  33. Cross References
    Hebrews 4:14
    Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
  34. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:11
    By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.
    1 Corinthians 1:9
    God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
  35. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:13
    But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
  36. Cross References
    Acts 2:42
    And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
  37. Cross References
    Romans 13:11 - 13
    Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
  38. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 3:13
    Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
  39. Cross References
    Numbers 15:30
    But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from among his people.
    Deuteronomy 17:12
    The man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.
  40. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:4
    For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit.
    2 Peter 2:20 - 21
    For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
  41. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:6
    And then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
    1 John 5:16
    If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life - to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
  42. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:3
    How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.
    Hebrews 12:25
    See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
  43. Cross References
    Psalms 79:5
    How long, O Lord ? Will you be angry forever? W...
    Isaiah 26:11
    O Lord, your hand is lifted up, but they do not...
    Zephaniah 1:18
    Neither their silver nor their gold shall be ab...
    Zephaniah 3:8
    Therefore wait for me," declares the Lord, "for...
    Ezekiel 36:5
    Therefore thus says the Lord God : Surely I hav...
    Zechariah 8:2
    Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Z...
    2 Thessalonians 1:8
    In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those ...
  44. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 17:2 - 6
    If there is found among you, within any of your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the Lord your God, in transgressing his covenant.
  45. Cross References
    Numbers 35:30
    If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
  46. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:6
    And then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
  47. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:20
    Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.
    Zechariah 9:11
    As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
  48. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:13 - 14
    For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh.
  49. Cross References
    Matthew 12:31 - 32
    Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
    Ephesians 4:30
    And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
  50. Cross References
    Romans 12:19
    Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
    Deuteronomy 32:35
    Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.
  51. Cross References
    Psalms 50:4
    He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
    Psalms 135:14
    For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.
    Deuteronomy 32:36
    For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free.
  52. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:35
    Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.
  53. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:36
    For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free.
  54. Cross References
    Isaiah 33:14
    The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless: "Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?
    Luke 12:5
    But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
  55. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:4
    For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit.
  56. Cross References
    Philippians 1:30
    Engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
  57. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:9
    For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
  58. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:3
    Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
    Matthew 25:36
    I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
    2 Timothy 1:16
    May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
  59. Cross References
    Matthew 5:12
    Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
  60. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:4
    To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
  61. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:2
    For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution.
    Hebrews 11:26
    He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
  62. Cross References
    Hebrews 12:1 - 7
    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
    Luke 21:19
    By your endurance you will gain your lives.
    Romans 2:7
    To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
    Romans 12:12
    Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
    Matthew 10:22
    And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
  63. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:21
    Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
    1 John 2:17
    And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
  64. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:39
    And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised.
  65. Cross References
    Isaiah 26:20
    Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.
    Haggai 2:6
    For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land.
    Luke 18:8
    I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?
  66. Cross References
    Habakkuk 2:3 - 4
    For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end - it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
  67. Cross References
    Habakkuk 2:3 - 4
    For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end - it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
  68. Cross References
    Romans 1:17
    For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith.
    Galatians 3:11
    Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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