(Vs. 11) "EVERY PRIEST." We are not speaking of the High Priest, who offered the atonement once a year, but of the common priests (who were many) who offered daily sacrifices. "STANDETH" at the altar, showing that their work was never finished. "WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS." The fact that they were continually offered indicates that they were ineffectual (Num. 28:3-4).
(Vs. 12) "BUT THIS MAN." Our Lord became a man, though not a mere man, but the God-man (Isa. 7:14; Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23). "OFFERED ONE SACRIFICE," forever. "SAT DOWN ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD" (Heb. 1:3). His work done, His sacrifice accepted, His people sanctified, our sins pardoned–He sat down. All this is different from the priests under the Law. They were MANY–Christ One! They offered MANY SACRIFICES–He only one! They STOOD–He sat. Their sacrifices were BUT TYPES–His effectual!
(Vs. 13) "TIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE HIS FOOTSTOOL" (Psalm 110:1); that is, until all enemies of Him and His people be subdued under Him–carnal professors, profane rebels, the world, the devil, all the powers of darkness, and the last enemy, death itself (I Cor. 15:25-26).
(Vs. 14) "BY ONE OFFERING," Himself, body and soul. This is why He sat down, why He expects His enemies to be destroyed, why He is at the right hand of God. He has accomplished what He came to do. He has completely cleansed, perfected, and made holy all who were given Him by the Father. To be sanctified is to be set apart by the Father (Jude 1), to be declared holy by the Son (I Cor. 1:2), and to be made holy both instantly and progressively by His Spirit (II Thess. 2:13).
(Vs. 15-17) This is a quotation from Jeremiah 31:31-34. The Word of God is one, both Old and New Testament. This is the sum and substance of the new covenant. After the days of types, ceremonies, and promises, when the Messiah has come and fulfilled all things, my laws, my gospel, my commandments will be written on their MINDS (to think on them) and on their HEARTS (to love them), not on tablets of stone. They shall all be priests to offer sacrifices of faith, praise, and devotion; and because of the sufficient sacrifice of the Redeemer, all sin shall be forgiven and remembered no more (I John 1:7). In the Old Testament sacrifices there was a remembrance of sin with every sacrifice, but now He has put away sin and will remember it no more!
(Vs. 18) Where there is absolute remission, forgiveness, and cancellation of all penalty, there is no longer any offering or sacrifice to be made. If we are in Christ and redeemed by Christ, it is dishonoring to our Saviour NOT to rest in His grace and His atonement (Rom. 8:1).
In Verses 19-25 we have the FOUNDATION of grace and the DUTIES AND EXERCISES of grace.
(Vs. 19-21) THE FOUNDATION OF GRACE.We have full freedom and confidence to enter the very presence of God by the power and virtue of His blood (Heb. 4:14-16).
The veil in the temple is rent in two, and the ceremonies and sacrifices have all been laid aside by Christ's effectual sacrifice in the flesh (Gal. 5:1).
We have an eternal, great High Priest Who rules and reigns by virtue of His atonement and Who is accepted and has absolute authority!
(Vs. 22-25) THE DUTIES AND EXERCISES OF GRACE.Vs. 22 – Let us all come forward in prayer and praise before our God with honest, open, and sincere hearts. He will receive us, for our hearts have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ and our bodies have been washed or purified by His Spirit.
Vs. 23 – Let us persevere in faith and grace, whatever the trial, the fear, the doubt; for God is faithful to His promise, and in that He promised.
Vs. 24 – Let us consider one another both as FRAIL MEN and as brethren. If we are busy loving and giving love, we will have less time to complain of being neglected. We can also help to kindle and re-kindle love and grace in others.
Vs. 25 – Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. It is the duty and privilege of believers to meet together for worship, praise and fellowship.
1. Because of GOD, who has appointed it, who approves of it, who is glorified in it, and who should be worshipped.
2. Because of OURSELVES. We need to be edified, instructed, refreshed, and comforted.
3. Because of OTHERS, that they may be convinced, converted, and brought to a knowledge of Christ.