Scripture Printed Text: Hebrews 10:23-36
The writer of Hebrews explained a new covenant promise was placed into effect when Christ died. The new covenant frees believers from the bondage of the first covenant. God took away the Levitical sacrificial system, which was the first arrangement when He established the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ. Sacrifices were practiced in the Old Testament. Animal were imperfect sacrifices that could not completely purify or atone for people’s sin. Once a year, the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies to make reconciling sacrifices for the sins of the nation. This was the only way the Jews knew how to approach God. This system was done away because Jesus became the one and only sacrifice to atone for man’s sin.
Lesson outline:
- Our Profession of Faith (Hebrews 10:23-25)
- Knowledge of the Truth (Hebrews 10:26-27)
- How God will Judge His People (Hebrews 10:28-31)
- Looking Forward Through Suffering (Hebrews 10:32-36)
Profession is a declaration of a belief system. The writer encourages believers to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. God reveals His promises and truths through His word. We must embrace God’s word with our whole heart, and resist temptation and opposition. Because God is faithful to what He promised. This is the reason for believers to think of ways to motivate one another to acts of good works. By not neglecting meeting together for worship and encouraging the saints toward love and good works. Fear and persecution can cause believers not to come together for worship. So let us hold firm to God’s word, our profession of faith.
Believers have knowledge of the truth, which means, they sin occasionally, not deliberately. Because willful sin is a rejection of Christ, and a rejection of God’s word. Believers have understanding of the knowledge of the truth, which is Christ’s offer of salvation on the cross. The consequences of rejecting God are His judgment and fiery indignation against His adversaries. Believers only hope and help is salvation through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. Knowledge of God is salvation through His Son.
The Old Testament judgment for idolatry was death by stoning. This was done by two or three witnesses. But there is a worse punishment for someone who rejects the word of Christ. To consider the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, the person wounds the Holy Spirit, and will receive a punishment greater than physical death. The only sacrifice for sin is Christ sacrifice on the cross. Rejection of Christ, result in God’s judgment, but mercy is through faith in God’s word.
The believer’s faith persevered in the midst of persecution. Because they are looking forward to God’s reward. While it is a fearful thing to stand before God’s judgment for disobedience, it is a blessed thing to obey Him. Obedience to God’s word gives the believers a blessed hope of receiving all God has promised.
Trust in God’s word, by believing on Jesus Christ, His Son for salvation, and a future reward from Him. The believer’s reward is not earthly but heavenly!