Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Hebrews Ch.10 / 13 Ch.s
HEB:10
* The insufficiency of sacrifices for taking away sin, The
necessity and power of the sacrifice of Christ for that purpose.
(1-18) An argument for holy boldness in the believer's access to
God through Jesus Christ, And for steadfastness in faith, and
mutual love and duty. (19-25) The danger of apostacy. (26-31)
The sufferings of believers, and encouragement to maintain their
holy profession. (32-39)
#1-10 The apostle having shown that the tabernacle, and
ordinances of the covenant of Sinai, were only emblems and types
of the gospel, concludes that the sacrifices the high priests
offered continually, could not make the worshippers perfect,
with respect to pardon, and the purifying of their consciences.
But when "God manifested in the flesh," became the sacrifice,
and his death upon the accursed tree the ransom, then the
Sufferer being of infinite worth, his free-will sufferings were
of infinite value. The atoning sacrifice must be one capable of
consenting, and must of his own will place himself in the
sinner's stead: Christ did so. The fountain of all that Christ
has done for his people, is the sovereign will and grace of God.
The righteousness brought in, and the sacrifice once offered by
Christ, are of eternal power, and his salvation shall never be
done away. They are of power to make all the comers thereunto
perfect; they derive from the atoning blood, strength and
motives for obedience, and inward comfort.
#11-18 Under the new covenant, or gospel dispensation, full and
final pardon is to be had. This makes a vast difference between
the new covenant and the old one. Under the old, sacrifices must
be often repeated, and after all, only pardon as to this world
was to be obtained by them. Under the new, one Sacrifice is
enough to procure for all nations and ages, spiritual pardon, or
being freed from punishment in the world to come. Well might
this be called a new covenant. Let none suppose that human
inventions can avail those who put them in the place of the
sacrifice of the Son of God. What then remains, but that we seek
an interest in this Sacrifice by faith; and the seal of it to
our souls, by the sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience?
So that by the law being written in our hearts, we may know that
we are justified, and that God will no more remember our sins.
#19-25 The apostle having closed the first part of the epistle,
the doctrine is applied to practical purposes. As believers had
an open way to the presence of God, it became them to use this
privilege. The way and means by which Christians enjoy such
privileges, is by the blood of Jesus, by the merit of that blood
which he offered up as an atoning sacrifice. The agreement of
infinite holiness with pardoning mercy, was not clearly
understood till the human nature of Christ, the Son of God, was
wounded and bruised for our sins. Our way to heaven is by a
crucified Saviour; his death is to us the way of life, and to
those who believe this, he will be precious. They must draw near
to God; it would be contempt of Christ, still to keep at a
distance. Their bodies were to be washed with pure water,
alluding to the cleansings directed under the law: thus the use
of water in baptism, was to remind Christians that their conduct
should be pure and holy. While they derived comfort and grace
from their reconciled Father to their own souls, they would
adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Believers
are to consider how they can be of service to each other,
especially stirring up each other to the more vigorous and
abundant exercise of love, and the practice of good works. The
communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a means
of stedfastness and perseverance. We should observe the coming
of times of trial, and be thereby quickened to greater
diligence. There is a trying day coming on all men, the day of
our death.
#26-31 The exhortations against apostacy and to perseverance,
are urged by many strong reasons. The sin here mentioned is a
total and final falling away, when men, with a full and fixed
will and resolution, despise and reject Christ, the only
Saviour; despise and resist the Spirit, the only Sanctifier; and
despise and renounce the gospel, the only way of salvation, and
the words of eternal life. Of this destruction God gives some
notorious sinners, while on earth, a fearful foreboding in their
consciences, with despair of being able to endure or to escape
it. But what punishment can be sorer than to die without mercy?
We answer, to die by mercy, by the mercy and grace which they
have despised. How dreadful is the case, when not only the
justice of God, but his abused grace and mercy call for
vengeance! All this does not in the least mean that any souls
who sorrow for sin will be shut out from mercy, or that any will
be refused the benefit of Christ's sacrifice, who are willing to
accept these blessings. Him that cometh unto Christ, he will in
no wise cast out.
#32-39 Many and various afflictions united against the early
Christians, and they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit
is not a selfish spirit; it puts us upon pitying others,
visiting them, helping them, and pleading for them. All things
here are but shadows. The happiness of the saints in heaven will
last for ever; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods.
This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here.
The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in
promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be
content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their
reward till God's time to give it is come. He will soon come to
them at death, to end all their sufferings, and to give them a
crown of life. The Christian's present conflict may be sharp,
but will be soon over. God never is pleased with the formal
profession and outward duties and services of such as do not
persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure. And those
who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past,
have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to
live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and
patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith,
and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever.