(Vs. 1) The ceremonial law given by Moses is a figure or picture of the good things to come in Christ. These "good things" are pardon, peace, rest, fellowship, preservation, and eternal life. The tabernacle, the priesthood, and the law were not given to put away sin, but only to serve as a blueprint of the real tabernacle and sacrifice, which is Christ (Col. 2:16-17; Heb. 8:4-5).
(Vs. 2) If any or all of these sacrifices could put away sin –
1. They would have ceased to be offered! If I bring an atonement and it puts away my sin, then I need not offer another (Heb. 10:12-14).
2. The people who offered the sacrifice would be discharged from all sin and guilt and would feel no condemnation (Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:1).
This is the reason we have such assurance and confidence in Christ (Rom. 8: 33-34). He has offered one sacrifice, and we feel totally confident that our sins are gone (Heb. 10:17; Isa. 53:4-6).
(Vs. 3) In these Old Testament sacrifices offered on a regular basis, a fresh remembrance of sin is brought forth; they are still there. The very sacrifices themselves reminded the people of their sins. The sacrifices must continue until the Messiah comes and puts an end to them and to sin by His sacrifice.
(Vs. 4) It is not possible for animal blood to take away sin.
1. Sin is a transgression OF THE MORAL LAW. These sacrifices belong to a ceremonial law. Christ was born under and obeyed the moral law (Gal. 4:4-5).
2. The blood is NOT THE SAME BLOOD. It is not from the same kind of person who sinned. But Christ was bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh (Heb. 2:16-18).
3. Sin deals with THE MIND AND CONSCIENCE to which an animal cannot relate. Christ made His soul an offering for sin. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:10-11).
Verses 5-8 is a quotation from Psalm 40:6-8 in which David writes of Christ Who was to come.
(Vs. 5) God would have the sacrifices and offerings continue only for a time until Christ came (I Cor. 5:7). He would never accept them as a term of righteousness; but He clothed Christ in a human body prepared by the Holy Spirit, that Christ might (in the body of a man) obey the law and suffer for sin (Rom. 5:19; I Cor. 15:21-22).
(Vs. 6) Burnt offerings and sacrifices could never satisfy His justice, appease His anger, honor His law, nor put away sin. There is no pleasure nor satisfaction in a picture (Isa l:11-18).
(Vs. 7) In the Book of God (the Bible) it is clearly written that Christ should come to work out the redemptive will of God (Luke 24:44-47).
(Vs. 8) In this verse Paul repeats the prophecy, including ALL SACRIFICES AND TYPES; so that when they are all fulfilled and replaced by Christ, it will be clearly stated that none of them gave any pleasure to the Father except as they were offered IN FAITH TOWARD CHRIST (Heb. 11:4, 17, 28).
(Vs. 9) In completely fulfilling the redemptive will of God (John 6:38), Christ has PUT AWAY all sacrifices, all offerings, the priesthood, and all that was associated with that covenant; and He stands in the place of them all. When we have Christ, we have all things (I Cor. 3:21-23; I Cor. 1:30; Col. 2: 9-10).
(Vs. 10) Here is the sum of it all. Here is the gospel of redemption in a verse!
1. "BY THE WHICH WILL:" that is, by the will, purpose, and design of the heavenly Father. Eternally decreed, we are redeemed (John 1:11-13; Rom. 9: 11-16; Eph. 1:5, 9, 11).
2. "WE ARE SANCTIFIED." Sin is put away; we are holy and accepted by God (Eph. 1:6; Col. 1:21-22; Jude 24).
3. "THROUGH THE OFFERING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST." His human body was offered on the cross. His blood was shed. He died for our sins (Isa. 53:4-6).
4. "ONCE FOR ALL." One atonement–one sacrifice–one offering (I Peter 1: 18-21; Heb. 9:26-28).