Hebrews 10
Hebrews 10 — A Call to Persevere in the Once-for-All Sacrifice
As we near the end of Hebrews, this beautifully thick and rich book of Scripture, chapter 10 brings us face-to-face with one of the most crucial truths in our faith: Christ's sacrifice is once for all. This is not just theological knowledge — it's a truth that transforms our hearts, calls us to persevere, and invites us to live from the inside out.
The Law Was a Shadow, But Jesus Is the Reality
Hebrews 10 opens with a reminder that the Old Testament law was only a shadow of what was to come — not the full reality. Those repeated sacrifices, year after year, could never perfect the hearts of worshipers. Following rules couldn’t transform us from the inside; it could only point out what was wrong.
We were given the law to learn how to relate to God and to each other, but we weren’t able to keep it. Even when we did manage to obey, our hearts often weren’t in it. The whole sacrificial system was a constant, wearying reminder that we were still falling short — another goat, another dove, another heifer. It was a system built on endless reminders of guilt.
But Jesus came and changed everything.
He didn’t just cover our sin with temporary solutions. He removed it by offering himself — the perfect sacrifice — once, for all time. This is where everything pivots. He set aside the first system and established a second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10).
From the Inside Out: God Wants Our Hearts
We’re not just trying to clean up behavior anymore. God isn’t asking for behavior modification; He wants transformation. He wants our hearts.
Hebrews 10:15-16 reminds us that the Holy Spirit now writes God’s laws on our hearts and minds. It's an inward change that begins with repentance, continues with belief, and is sustained through relationship with Jesus. It’s like that parenting moment we’ve all had — telling a child “don’t run” is less effective than inviting them to “walk slowly.” Jesus invites us to walk with him — not through a list of don’ts, but through a way of life that brings peace, purpose, and joy.
And now, because of Jesus, we have access to God. The curtain that once separated us from the Holy of Holies has been torn — not just symbolically, but spiritually. Hebrews 10:19-20 says we can come boldly into God’s presence because of Jesus’ sacrifice. That is mind-blowing. What once only a high priest could do once a year, we can now do every day.
Let Us Persevere
Because of what Jesus has done, we’re given a call to persevere. There are four powerful “let us” statements in verses 22–25:
Let us draw near to God with sincere hearts and full assurance.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.
Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Let us not give up meeting together but encourage one another.
These aren’t empty religious routines. These are invitations to live a new kind of life — a life rooted in grace, hope, community, and perseverance. The motivation behind these actions isn’t fear — it’s love and gratitude for what Jesus has already done.
But let’s not mistake grace for cheapness.
Don’t Shrink Back
Hebrews 10 closes with a sobering warning and a fierce encouragement. On one side, some of us still carry guilt and shame, unable to forgive ourselves. But if we’ve repented and trusted in Jesus, we are truly forgiven. God invites us to hand Him that shame, that regret — and let it go. As far as the east is from the west, He has removed our sin from us.
On the other side, some of us may be too casual with sin. Verses 26–27 warn us about continuing to sin deliberately after knowing the truth. That’s not just a “bad choice” — that’s dangerous territory. It reflects a heart that may not be truly surrendered.
We must take sin seriously. We must take the cross seriously. And we must respond with our whole lives — not shrinking back, but pressing in.
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” (Hebrews 10:39)
Final Thoughts: Let’s Live Like It’s True
There’s no one else coming. Jesus is it. He is enough. And because of Him, we are not just saved from something, but tosomeone. Let’s not cheapen His sacrifice by holding onto guilt or by staying in sin. Let’s press in. Let’s live boldly. Let’s remember the gravity of what He’s done — and the freedom that now belongs to us.
We’re not living in the shadow anymore. We’re living in the light.
Let’s walk in it.
