Having just listened to a very sincere preacher this last Sunday preach an incorrect view of Hebrews 10, I am moved to bring this forward as another example of how distorted God’s word becomes when it is taken out of time and place, and viewed from the reader’s time frame and the reader’s current social / political circumstances. So, I would like to set the picture straight and then look again at Heb. 10:26.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” (KJV)
“For if we deliberately continue to sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,“ (CJB)
“For we — willfully sinning after the receiving the full knowledge of the truth — no more for sins doth there remain a sacrifice,” (YLT)
The book of Hebrews was written between AD 65-66 (1) when the Jews were still operating under the old Mosaic covenant and taking their animal sacrifices to the altar at the temple in accordance with the Mosaic law. Depending upon which day, and depending upon which sin they would bring doves, pigeons, turtles, lambs, goats, or bulls to take the place of their sins, and their death.
“He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:” (Heb. 10:28, KJV)
When the man or woman brought the animal to the altar before the priest, they would place their hand on the head of the animal symbolizing the transfer of their sin against God (Lev. 8:14), and the animal would take their place in payment of that sin which would otherwise have to be paid by the living person. Rightfully, the man or woman would have to die for their transgressions, but instead the animal took their place.
God did not have any pleasure in these animal sacrifices.
“3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.” (Heb. 10:3-6, KJV)
But, He also has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:23, 32). God wants us to turn from our sins, and turn back to Him so that we can live (Ezek. 33:11). So, the death of the animal served a temporary purpose to provide a way for mankind to return to God.
As God is the Creator of all (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 66:2, Neh. 9:6; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; John 1:1), He is also the Creator of all living things that breathe which includes the animals He established for that temporary sacrificial system. He cares for all of the animals.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6, KJV)
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” (Luke 12:24, KJV)
“And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?” (Jonah 4:11, KJV)
“For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (1 Cor.9:9, KJV)
The sacrificial system under the old Mosaic covenant was to teach the people how horrible sin was, how absolutely evil their actions were in God’s eyes. Bringing the best of their flock, the purest animal without spot to the priest for sacrifice was supposed to horrify them, and be a caution or preventative measure against the temptations to sin. The most perfect lamb was supposed to be one that was loved, and precious to them. They were specifically told not to bring any bruised, maimed, blind, or broken animal to be offered (Lev. 22:20-25).
Maybe it would be easier to understand God’s horror at watching the animals be sacrificed if we were to consider having to sacrifice a much loved puppy. We love our pets. We feed them, take them to vets for check-ups, take our dogs to professional groomers, and many are bred for beauty competitions. Imagine if we had to sacrifice one of these beautiful pets to save ourselves!
Instead of realizing this horror, the Jews became hardened in their hearts and began offering their spotted and weakened animals to the Lord (Mal 1:7ff). They began to take for granted, and belittle God’s created animals by carelessly sinning and then taking an offering to the priest to prevent their own death. And, if they didn’t have an unspotted animal, or a good enough offering, well,… then the priests at the temple would sell them the animal they needed at the priest’s money changing benches (bancs) at the temple (Matt. 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14-15). They commercialized sin!
So, in AD 65-66 the writer of Hebrews was explaining how this old system was about to pass away (Heb 8:13), and that the old system under the Mosaic Law was no longer effective as bulls and goats could not take away sin (Heb. 10:4), and yet the sin offerings were still happening at the temple in Jerusalem. Picture this background in your mind.
The point of Heb. 10:26 was that those who had been immersed into Christ, who had been immersed into His sacrifice (Rom. 6:3-6),had no need to make any other offering. The words, “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin,” at Heb. 10:26 means that no more animal sacrifices will work. They didn’t need to keep taking animals to the temple any more. God was telling them that system was done and over.
Without this first audience perspective, many preachers today try to make Heb. 10:26 mean that anyone who willingly sins after having been immersed into Christ has no more forgiveness of sins. This fear based approach takes away forgiveness for those who will repent and stop sinning.
A better way for us to understand Heb. 10:26 in our day and time might be to say “there remains no OTHER sacrifice for sins”. If we make a mistake and willfully sin after having been immersed into Christ, we can still repent. Our only sacrifice is Christ Jesus! No other sacrifice will be acceptable to God for forgiveness to the truly repentant heart.
If we continue to repeatedly sin willfully, then we have scorned Christ, trampled upon His sacrifice, and are not repentant. We will not be forgiven if we do not repent and stop doing those sins.
“Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (Heb. 10:29, YLT)
But having accepted Christ, having been immersed into Christ, if we sin again, we do not have to sacrifice a dove, or a lamb, or a bull to be forgiven. We only have to turn back to Christ, and repent, and stop sinning. It’s the old Bob Newhart joke of a psychiatrist who tells his patient that is complaining of getting hurt each time she does something, and his says he has two words for her: “STOP IT!”
“21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:20-25, KJV)
The day they were waiting for, the day that was approaching was to come about 4-5 years later when Christ returned to judge those who had crucified Him (Rev. 1:7), to judge those wicked priests who were still offering the animal sacrifices at that earthly temple in AD 70 which had become profane once He became the Lamb slain. That was the time of their judgment of all those wicked who had rejected their promised Messiah.
“For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” (Heb. 10:37, KJV)
And, it was only a little while until He returned to those in that generation (Matt. 24:34). Christ has not tarried 2,000 years. All those who are waiting for Christ’s second appearance need to begin reading the scriptures from the first audience perspective.
Notes:
1) Date of Hebrews – DatingTheNewTestament
Shredding The Veil 
It’s quite clear in John 3 v 5&6
Water is physical birth.
Jesus gives His meaning without ambiguity.
On your hobby horse of water baptism (work’s salvation)
What age is the age of adult maturity? ( what about special needs)?
Jesus allowed the children to Come to HIM.
The prophets also as fulfilled On The Day of Pentecost!
Men Women and Children all filled with The Holy Spirit!
All spoke in Tongues
Religious pickle.
God is Love Not legalistic religion.
Swapping circumcision for baptism.
Yet New Covenant circumcision is of The Heart
Spiritual unseen of The Holy Spirit.
By denying The Holy Spirit you have a religious pious baptismal rite.
No thanks.
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No, John 3:5-6 separates fleshly birth from spiritual birth. This idea that baptism is a work of man is false & crops up repeatedly due to Calvanistic teachings. You cannot take one or two verses, and divorce them from the rest of scripture. Obeying God is righteousness, not a work of man. That is why Abraham’s obedience which was of faith was counted to him as righteousness.
Rom. 4:2-4, ” For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”
The work that Abraham did was not his own, but was a command from God, and His belief in God caused him to obey. Belief requires that we do what God tells us to do, else there is no belief.
Heb. 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Moah moved with fear because of his faith, and did what God told him to do. Obedience = righteousness, not works.
Baptism / immersion is a command from God, and is not a work of man. If you do not do what God commands then you do not believe Him, and your faith is nothing. The good works that we do are because we owe Him, we indebted to Him for the sacrifice that He made in dying for sins. Our good works for other people do not earn us salvation, they are demonstration of our faith.
“17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:17-18
So, ask yourself… when was Jesus begotten of God? When did the Holy Spirit descend as dove upon Him? Before He was baptised of John, or after? While we cannot see the Holy Spirit, the work of the Holy Spirit is not unseen. I would suggest reading the posts here for Testing the Spirits Part V a, b, & c on Exploring the Holy Spirit. Also read the post Crossing Over.
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One caveat I need to mention about the Garden of Eden post that I just made. I realize I did take the word “day” figuratively while Preston takes it literally. I think a figurative use in that instance flows naturally, while the rest of the account comes off as literal.
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I was watching a video by Don Preston on the subject of the Genesis account of the Garden. His understanding of Adam’s death is that it was not a physical death, but spiritual. His reasoning was that God said, “For in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.” Preston took the word “day” quite literally here, meaning since Adam didn’t die on the particular day he ate it, then it was a spiritual death. I struggle to accept this explanation. When I read the Garden of Eden account, I see physical consequences to their actions. To the serpent God said, “Upon thy bell shalt thou go.” This is a physical consequence. Today we see the serpent’s descendants slithering around on their bellies. To the woman God said “In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children.” This is a physical consequence regarding labor pains. To Adam, God said, “In the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread.” Again, a physical consequence. God also said, “Unto dust thou shalt return.” This is a physical death and it seems clear that it is also a reference to the “death” God was warning them about in the previous chapter, “thou shalt surely die.” My reading of the Garden of Eden account is one of literal translation. I just don’t see figurative language flowing from it, as I do with prophecy, for example.
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Don’s point is drawn from Eph 2:1, being dead in our sins, as our sin causes a separation from God (Isa. 59:2). And, sin causes death (Rom. 5:12), then spiritual death is the concept mostly attributed to Gen. 2:17. However, there is something else we need to recognize, and that is they way that God uses the phrase “in the day.” or “on the day” (b’yom). God marks the beginning of action as occurring from a beginning point of time on a particular day. He says “a day of the Lord” when speaking of beginning a time of judgment. We understand when He says this in His prophesies that the judgment He brings forth often takes more than a day to carry out, but it begins on a particular day that He chooses for His appointed times. This usage of “in the day” as marking a causative beginning point is clearly shown in Gen. 2::4.
“These [are] births of the heavens and of the earth in their being prepared, in the day of Jehovah God’s making earth and heavens;” (YLT)
God just gave an account of creating heaven and earth in six days, and resting on the seventh day. So, the phrase “in the day” refers to a beginning point in time. Young’s translation of Gen. 2:17 explains Adam’s death better.
“and of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou dost not eat of it, for in the day of thine eating of it — dying thou dost die.’ (YLT)
“Dying” was a beginning process that would occur over a period of time. The pronouncement of Adam’s death had a beginning cause at a specific time on a specific day, just as Shimei’s pronounced death sentence in 1 Kings 2:37. Solomon warned Shimei not to cross the brook Kidron to go to the king of Gath, but he did it anyway. Solomon did not have Shimei killed until after his return (1 Kings 2:42-45). But his death was certain from the time the action was taken.
Adam died spiritually when he disobeyed God, and his physical, bodily death was certain from a beginning point of time when He sinned in the garden.
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When I try to tell many of my fellow Christians that we are living in the New Jerusalem today, they respond to me like I’m nuts. It’s not even a concept they want to entertain for a minute. They say things like. “Look around at what’s going on in the world. How could this be the New Jerusalem?” When they say things like this, it makes me think of Revelation 22:15. In that verse it is made clear that the world outside the city gates is indeed a vile place. So, do you think that there are actually many “Christians” who are dwelling outside the gates of the New Jerusalem with the dogs and sorcerers, etc…and they don’t even realize it? Is it possible to live in the New Jerusalem when all that person sees is the world outside the City?
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Yes, it is very discouraging at times to meet with this response. You would think that people would be eager to see what the Bible says, and to carefully examine the scriptures. But they are lazy, and too comfortable with what they have always thought or been told to think of changing their beliefs. They were taught that Christ is going to clean everything up, that He will create a literal new earth, and restore the earth to the garden state in Genesis, so that they don’t have to do anything. They are content with their belief system that all they have to do is wait for Christ to fix everything. It is frustrating. I point out the clear meaning of the scriptures and they tell me that I am wrong, or that every one is entitled to their own opinion, or that there are different ways of looking at things. But, Rev. 22:15 is a clear statement that those outside the new city of the new Jerusalem are vile sinners. So, how can that state of evil co-exist in their view of a restored earthly Jerusalem. They are not willing to examine and analyze b/c it will make them afraid that they are wrong. And, that makes them think that if they doubt what they have been taught all their lives, then they must doubt their belief in Jesus. They will not allow that their faith in Jesus would be stronger if they would believe God’s word, and put their full trust in Him to know He has already done everything He promised to do! How they must continually question their own false dogma time after time as they continue to wait for a future “rapturous” return and a literal restored peaceful earth that never happens. It is their own fear and laziness that leads to the false doctrines of men, which in turn leads to ideas men have created like saying all you have to do is say a saving prayer of faith to be in Christ. So, yes, there are many who call themselves “Christians” who have not been immersed into Christ according to His commands, and they are outside the spiritual New Jerusalem b/c of their disobedience.
” Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:14.
My dad told me once when I was very frustrated that when I clearly showed ppl what the scriptures say, and they refused to believe God’s word that even Jesus did not try to save everyone. Remember that Jesus met with this same unbelief during His ministry. Keep trying, b/c the good seed and the good heart will hear His word. You do not know when the dime will drop, or the light bulb will turn on, and someone you thought was beyond hearing may remember what you have shown them later on.
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That was very well stated. The more I study scripture, the more convinced I am that full preterism is the correct approach to biblical prophecy. I am still learning. I may not have the head of knowledge that you have, but I know enough about the time statements at this point to understand that it was all fulfilled by A.D. 70. There can be no disputing that. You are extremely well versed in this. Did you grow up in a full preterist family? You seemed to imply that your dad was a full preterist. If so, you are fortunate to have that foundation growing up. I was baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic Church. Went to Catholic schools and Mass every Sunday. Catholic theologians are generally partial preterists, but I went the first 45 years of my life believing Bible prophecy was not yet fulfilled entirely. It’s been an eye opening experience to come to the realization that Christ is not returning to Earth in our time or beyond and the resurrection of the dead already happened.
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I grew up learning under my father, who read and depended upon Scripture w/o the usual influence of traditional church dogma. I had the honor of working with Dad for most of my adult life in our family business, and we would study God’s word together, exploring the truth of the Scriptures outside of the church environment. So over the years, we grew into the knowledge of the full Preterist perspective and reached out to others such as Don Preston and Kurt Simmons, etc. We held two conferences in Carlsbad, NM many years ago bringing in many attendees from around the country who were of like mind and understanding, and learned that there are many who know what God’s word really says about the fullness of time and the fulfillment of His prophesies in the destruction of that Jerusalem temple in AD 70. I consider that my father was the best teacher I and my family could have had, not only in business but in learning how to read and study God’s word.
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Greetings Gina lovely to hear your upbringing.
I enjoy your work and posts.
Our whole life experiences are within creation and we can learn lessons even in our mistakes and wilful errors also gain insight from all manner of things.
Some things are similar others are opposites
We have a sexual biology as humans
God and spiritual beings do not.
Jesus is The Door, HE is The entrance to The Father!
Jesus met The Teacher of Israel Nicodemus at night and brought him New Light!
You MUST BE BORN AGAIN FROM ABOVE
Q HOW can it Be?
What is born of water is flesh
&
Spirit is Spirit
Verses 5 & 6 of John 3.
Born of water is physical birth
Born of above is Spiritual of God.
John 6 v 29 Believe is our Work.
We are All born of Water, physical.
In human life only 1 sperm enters 1 egg
Billions of sperm fade and die from their limited existence.
Billions of people can all be accepted into Father God we like the sperm are a limited (half life) We need to be Born of God,
Acts 2
The Holy Spirit Indwelling!
The circumcision of the individual heart, unseen by the world, not of this world.
But even More Real!
No eye has seen No mind conceived what Almighty God has in store in His Real Eternal Abode!
Only JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR HAS EVER BEEN THROUGH THAT DOOR! Down and up that Ladder !
Truly Born Again
Water is a symbol of The Spirit.
“MUST” JESUS SAID IT
WE MUST BE……
There is room for Everyone born of Water!!!
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I think this analysis of “born of water” being limited to the birth canal is not sufficient. A conscious decision, the answer of a good heart takes the water beyond simply birth of a child, nor of simple bathing. It MUST be a reply to the call to be baptized, which is the immersion into water as a mature adult. Otherwise, the command in Acts 2:38 & Mark 16:16 would be unnecessary.
Col. 2:12, ” Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
1 Pet. 3:20-21, “20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
It our duty to answer that call as a responsible mature adult. This is why the practice of infant baptism is in error.
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As far as the white throne judgement, that happened in heaven before the throne, when the souls who were waiting in the abode of the dead were released in the general resurrection, correct? The sheep were placed on His right. Goats on His left. Those on His left went off to eternal punishment. Those on His right, to eternal life. From that point forward, we each receive an individual judgement.
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That’s correct.
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Could you direct me to a full preterist explanation of Thess ch 4 regarding “the dead in Christ will rise and those of us who are alive and remain will be caught up”? I need a refresher on that. Thanks
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I discussed 1 Thess 4 in two of the posts here: The Gathering of the Elect (Jun 2017), and Frequent Mistakes Part III: The Last Day (Dec 2017). You can also read Don Preston’s articles on this subject beginning w/ Part 1 here: https://donkpreston.com/the-last-day-the-last-trumpet-1/
I have a small difference of opinion with Don’s take for the timing of the gathering. He places it after the Feast of Tabernacless on the 8th day, which would be after the wedding feast associated with the Feast of Trumpets on the 1st of Tishri. I disagree with this b/c of the phrase “immediately after those days” from Matt 24, and b/c of the parable of the wedding feast in Matt 22 which says that the judgment began during the wedding feast, which Rev 19 says began after the battle / destruction of Jerusalem ended. So, I am of the opinion that the gathering out of Hades took place during the 10 days between the Feast of Trumpets on the 1st of Tishri, and the Day of Atonement on the 10th of Trishri, and that the 7 days of the Feast of Tabernacles was the heavenly celebration of the full establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom where all who are in Christ now tabernacle with Him (Rev. 21:3). Don believes the temple was still standing at 15-23 Tishri. I believe it was all torn down by the 1st of Tishri for the Feast of Trumpets. But overall, Don makes very good points for why the gathering of the elect happened in AD70.
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Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I remember you covered that subject here. Was having trouble finding it.
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Another well written piece. Thank you!
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div dir=”ltr”>That’s been hanging around my neck for so long. I’m so worse than Paul and must be the least. But sometimes, because of th
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Daniel, did you need to finish this comment? It seems interrupted… 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We repent, confess, and beg for His forgiveness, and God will forgive those who have believed and been immersed into Christ. We have to remain faithful in the Lord even unto death.
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That’s been hanging around my neck for so long. I’m so worse than Paul and must be the least. But sometimes, because of th
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Hello Gina have you already covered Isa 17:1 about Damascus being left a heap? Curious when this was fulfilled. Thank you.
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No, I have not covered the destruction of Damascus, as it belongs with the destruction of the northern 10 tribes (Ephraim) which happened approx. 722-721 BC under the Assyrian king Tilgath-pileser., most probably during the 4th year of Ahaz’s rule. The alliance made between Ephraim and the idolatrous cities of Damascus and Syria was the cause of the captivity of the northern 10 tribes, and has not been my main concern of this blog. See the commentaries at Biblehub: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/isaiah/17-1.htm, and Adam Clarke’s here: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/isaiah-17.html.
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That’s been hanging around my neck for so long. I’m so worse than Paul and must be the least. But sometimes, because of that scripture, I feel unworthy and guilty. Thank you for clearing this up.
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Daniel, remember : 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
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Yes Rabbi Saul was indeed very very clever and knew exactly what he was doing calling himself The Least!
The Shrewd manager.
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