Hebrews 10:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

NIV: It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

NASB: For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

CSB: For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

NLT: For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

KJV: For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

NKJV: For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

This verse states, directly, what the writer of Hebrews has been implying for several chapters. The animal sacrifices offered by the priests of the Old Testament had to be repeated often (Hebrews 9:6–7). Logically, this means those sacrifices were not actually obtaining forgiveness for sins; they were only covering up those sins, temporarily delaying judgment. Through many quotations in the Old Testament, however, the writer has shown that this was always God's intention. The old covenant was meant to symbolize the new covenant, to prepare mankind to accept the ministry of Jesus Christ. The very flaws which have been pointed out, in fact, were meant to draw mankind's awareness to our need for a single, perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:8–10).

In the prior chapter, it was mentioned that animal sacrifice can assuage feelings of guilt, but cannot truly change the conscience. In this context, this means animal blood can only solve a ceremonial problem: something physical and external. Our real problem with sin, however, is internal. This is why God promised to establish a "new covenant" written on the hearts and minds of the people.

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.