Hebrews 10:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

NIV: But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins.

NASB: But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

CSB: But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year.

NLT: But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year.

KJV: But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

NKJV: But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

For the last several chapters, the writer of Hebrews has been explaining how the new covenant is the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for man's salvation. The old covenant was not incorrect or worthless, because it was never meant to be the final solution. Instead, each aspect of the Old Testament law was meant to foreshadow some aspect of Christ's ministry. Even the sacrifices, themselves, were intended to prove that animal blood, offered by sinful priests, could never truly cleanse mankind from their sins (Hebrews 9:8–10).

Here, the writer gives a more direct explanation for what these animal sacrifices actually did. The fact that the priests offered them over and over proved that sin had not been truly dealt with. It had been "covered," but not "cleansed." In the prior verse, the writer made the point that if an animal sacrifice could truly pay for sin, there would have been no reason to keep offering that sacrifice!

This leads into an idea explained over the next few verses, and supported by more quotations from the Old Testament. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ was a single, once-for-all-time event. This was able to accomplish what animal blood could not: actual forgiveness of sins, and a change in the inner nature of man.

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.