10:17
The writer then quotes Jer 31:34. The hankering for the Levitical sacrifices and priests was related to them thinking that it was necessary for dealing with sin. They were absolutely right in thinking that sin needed to be dealt with, and we generally do not give enough weight to the problem of sin. However, as the writer has stated on several occasions, the Levitical sacrifices were unable to effectively deal with the problem of sin, with our guilt. Here in Jer 31:34 God states plainly that under the new covenant He will remember our “sins and lawless acts” no more. They are completely dealt with by the cross.
10:18
Through Christ our sins have been forgiven, so no further sacrifice is necessary. God is satisfied, so we should be satisfied as well. Guilt is a major problem, and we should note that the writer places enormous importance on accepting and realising that our sins have been paid for in full. No further penalty is required. Now this does not mean it does not matter how we live. It most certainly does, as later parts of Hebrews will make clear, but there is no need for us to do things to try and deal with the guilt. Such attempts are both futile and unnecessary.
The writer then quotes Jer 31:34. The hankering for the Levitical sacrifices and priests was related to them thinking that it was necessary for dealing with sin. They were absolutely right in thinking that sin needed to be dealt with, and we generally do not give enough weight to the problem of sin. However, as the writer has stated on several occasions, the Levitical sacrifices were unable to effectively deal with the problem of sin, with our guilt. Here in Jer 31:34 God states plainly that under the new covenant He will remember our “sins and lawless acts” no more. They are completely dealt with by the cross.
10:18
Through Christ our sins have been forgiven, so no further sacrifice is necessary. God is satisfied, so we should be satisfied as well. Guilt is a major problem, and we should note that the writer places enormous importance on accepting and realising that our sins have been paid for in full. No further penalty is required. Now this does not mean it does not matter how we live. It most certainly does, as later parts of Hebrews will make clear, but there is no need for us to do things to try and deal with the guilt. Such attempts are both futile and unnecessary.
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