Hebrews 10:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

NIV: But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

NASB: but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF God,

CSB: But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

NLT: But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

KJV: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

NKJV: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

A major point of this passage has been that animal sacrifices could never permanently take away human sin (Hebrews 9:9–10). If they could, then there would be no point in offering them over and over (Hebrews 10:1–2). These temporary measures were only meant to foreshadow our need for Christ. Here, the writer once again makes the point that Christ's sacrifice was a single, perfect, permanent action.

Verses 12 and 13 repeat images applied to Christ in earlier verses. Christ was previously described as "seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 8:1). This phrase symbolizes two important aspects of Christ and His ministry. First is the idea of Christ "sitting down," implying that His work is finished. The prior verse specifically referred to the old covenant priests as "standing," a contrast which shows their work was never done. The second image is that of Christ's position at the right hand of God. Symbolically, this was the seat of ultimate honor and power.

The following verse will, again, repeat a claim about the Messiah which was made in the Old Testament.

Hebrews 10:1–18 summarizes the writer's argument that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, based on animal sacrifices. Using themes developed in earlier passages, this section points out that God's own Word promised to replace the system centered on the priests and the temple. Those flawed earthly components were symbols of the ''real'' remedy for sin, which is the one-time sacrifice of Jesus. Having completed this long, detailed discourse, the writer will move on to practical applications, including a very stern warning.

God's own words, found in the Old Testament Scriptures, declare His intention to replace the old covenant with a new covenant. Jesus fulfills all of these prophecies, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that Jesus Christ is, undoubtedly, God's remedy for our sin, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means dire spiritual consequences for those who know Christ's salvation, but choose to act in defiance of His will.

Chapter 10 completes the long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Starting in chapter 7, the writer gave various arguments and Scriptures to support this idea. The theme of these points is that God had always intended to send Jesus, as the real fulfillment of the old covenant's symbolism. The second half of this chapter transitions into more practical ideas, including an extremely dire warning about the dangers of apostasy.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.