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The book of Hebrews provides substantial evidence that the Old Testament foretold the arrival of Christ as the culmination of God’s salvation plan (Hebrews 8:7–13). Simultaneously, God has given us examples to caution us about the outcomes of falling into doubt and disobedience, such as the suffering of Israel during their time in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:12–19). Thus, the reward for unwavering faith is about receiving something positive while steering clear of sin.

Main Text: Hebrews 10:32-35 (ESV)

The mention of those who “set aside the law of Moses” refers to individuals who deliberately, intentionally, and spitefully disobeyed God’s laws (Numbers 15:27–31). In such cases, the old covenant did not allow for atonement.

Main Text: Hebrews 10:238-31 (ESV)

Up to this point, much of the letter has been conveying reasons to be assured that Jesus Christ, rather than the old covenant priesthood, embodies God’s ultimate plan for humanity’s salvation.

Main Text: Hebrews 10:23-27 (ESV)

Verse 19 marks a shift between the primary content of the book of Hebrews and its concluding applications. The original recipients of this letter were Jewish Christians from the early church who faced persecution. This entire letter aims to inspire these believers. The author desires for them to be more diligent, assured, and proactive in their faith. The use of the term “brothers” underscores that all these words are directed toward those who are saved. Those who have been saved have every reason to approach God with assurance in their prayers (Hebrews 6:19–20), since Jesus completely understands what it means to be human (Hebrews 4:15–16).

Main Text: Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)

While the ultimate comfort will be experienced in eternity [when all tears are wiped away (Revelation 21:4), God also provides comfort and peace in the present as individuals turn to Him and experience His grace; this comfort comes through a renewed, or first-time, relationship with God as we are filled with God’s Holy Spirit or as we once again become aware of His Holy Spirits comfort and guidance.

Key points

1. There is a flow to the beatitudes:  The beatitudes are the steps in our becoming friends with God and drawing near to God (James 4:8).

2. Joy Comes in the Morning after the Mourning: Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5). Those who mourn over their sin are comforted. Mourning serves a purpose and is a season, after which comfort comes. After mourning comes morning—God’s new day.  

Main Text 

Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)

When sin is truly forgiven, there “is no longer any offering;” this means that once a genuine and redemptive sacrifice has been made, no further sacrifices for sin are needed.

Main Text: Hebrews 10:15-18 (ESV)

A key part of God’s plan in the Old Covenant was to prepare us for Jesus. The tabernacle and the Old Covenant revealed our weaknesses. They foreshadowed the coming of One who would make a perfect and eternal sacrifice for humanity’s sins (Hebrews 9:7 12); this is reflected in how the priests are described as “standing” in verses 11, while Christ is described differently in verse 12.

Main Text: Hebrews 10:1-14 (ESV)

The argument in Hebrews is that God plans to “set aside” sacrifices and focus on fulfilling His will on Earth; this matches the other Old Testament references that confirm God’s intention for a new covenant to emerge. Therefore, the sacrifices of the Old Covenant were meant to symbolize the true solution for our sin, which was revealed through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.

Main Text: Hebrews 10:8-10 (ESV)

Jesus has always existed and will eternally be “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13). Jesus became flesh (John 1:14), what theology calls the Incarnation (“the process of becoming flesh”). An essential event for our salvation (Galatians 4:4–5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:22).

Main Text: Hebrews 10:5-7 (ESV)

The author presents a point like Hebrews 7:27 and 9:25-26. The sacrifices of the Old Covenant had to be repeated regularly. This raises a rhetorical question: if those sacrifices could truly cleanse, wouldn’t priests stop offering them?

Main Text: Hebrews 10:1-4 (ESV)