Hebrews 10:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

NIV: and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

NASB: and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

CSB: and since we have a great high priest over the house of God,

NLT: And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house,

KJV: And having an high priest over the house of God;

NKJV: and having a High Priest over the house of God,

The book of Hebrews often refers to the idea of priests. The priests who served under the old covenant were mortal (Hebrews 7:23), imperfect (Hebrews 7:27), and had to offer their sacrifices continually (Hebrews 9:6–7). The animal blood they offered could never really solve the problem of human sin (Hebrews 9:8–10). God's real purpose in using the old covenant was not salvation, but symbolism. Those aspects of the Old Testament law, even its flaws, were meant to point the way towards the "real" solution, which is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:5–6). As one who is fully human (Hebrews 2:17–18), Jesus can serve as a priest for mankind. As one who is sinless (Hebrews 4:15), He can offer a perfect sacrifice, accomplishing what animal blood never could.

Earlier passages also referred to the priesthood of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:9–10), who the Old Testament describes as both high priest and king (Genesis 14:18). This is just one part of how the writer of Hebrews knows that God intended to replace the old covenant. By promising a priest "after the order of Melchizedek," God was emphasizing that His ultimate plan wasn't going to be fulfilled in the old covenant (Hebrews 7:11). Since Jesus brings a superior covenant (Hebrews 7:18; Hebrews 8:6), Christians have every reason to be confident and courageous in living out their faith (Hebrews 10:19–23.

Hebrews 10:19–25 is an encouraging bridge between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses completed a long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This section is meant to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is perhaps the sternest warning given in this letter about the danger of ''falling away'' from the faith.

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.