What does Hebrews 10:18 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:18 is a verse that addresses the issue of sin and sacrifice within the context of the New Testament's interpretation of Old Testament practices.

It signifies a conclusion to the previous system of animal sacrifices made under the Old Testament law for the atonement of sins.

The verse implies that with the coming of Jesus Christ and His ultimate sacrifice, the repeated offerings for sin that were once necessary are no longer required.

It points to the idea that Christ's sacrifice was sufficient for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and therefore, continual sacrifices are obsolete.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter to the Hebrews, a group of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament laws and rituals.

The letter was written in the first century AD, at a time when the early Christian community was grappling with the relationship between the Old Testament Law and the new faith in Christ.

The temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were made, was still standing at this time, which means that the letter predates its destruction in 70 AD.

The letter emphasizes the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the sacrificial system established under the Law of Moses.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Hebrews 10:18 is important for several viewpoints:

• For dispensationalists, this verse supports the belief in distinct periods of God's dealing with humanity, with a clear distinction between the age of the law and the age of grace.
• Covenant theologians see in this verse a continuation of the covenants, showing the fulfillment and completion of the old covenant in the new covenant through Christ.
• For those who hold to penal substitutionary atonement, the verse is seen as an affirmation that Christ's death appeases God's wrath against sin once and for all.
• Catholic teaching aligns with this verse in the sense that Christ's one sacrifice is made present in the Mass, but differs in the interpretation that the Eucharist is a non-bloody representation of the same sacrifice, rather than a new or repeated sacrifice.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 10:18 encourages believers to live in the freedom and peace that comes with knowing sin has been fully atoned for by Jesus' sacrifice.

The verse can be seen as a call to move beyond guilt and continual penitence for past sins to a life that is marked by grace and gratitude. It also has implications for how Christians should understand and conduct worship, emphasizing a focus on spiritual worship rather than physical offerings.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 10:10 - "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
• Romans 6:10 - "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God."
• Hebrews 9:12 - "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."
• Hebrews 9:28 - "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "remission" is "ἄφεσιν" (aphesin), which can be translated as forgiveness, pardon, or release from bondage or imprisonment.

The term "offering" is translated from "προσφορά" (prosphora), often referring to a sacrifice presented to God. The use of these terms in the context of the verse underscores the completeness of the forgiveness available through Christ's sacrificial death, ending the need for ongoing sacrifices.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast with other ancient religious practices, where sacrifices often had to be repeated to appease gods or maintain ritual purity, Hebrews 10:18 stands out by declaring a one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice.

It breaks from the cyclical nature of appeasement found in many pagan religions of the time, suggesting a finality and completeness not commonly found in other faith systems.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might be less relevant to this verse, as it discusses spiritual and theological concepts rather than empirical claims.

However, one could explore psychological aspects of belief systems regarding guilt and the need for atonement, and the effects of such beliefs on human behavior and mental health.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians over the years have provided various insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the full and final pardon granted to sinners through the sacrifice of Christ, rendering any further offerings unnecessary.
• The Pulpit Commentary mentions that this verse concludes the argument of the whole section starting from Hebrews 7, establishing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that the "remission" speaks not merely to the act of God's grace but to the efficacy of Christ's blood in actually taking away sins.
• The ESV Study Bible notes connect this verse with the covenantal language of Jeremiah 31:34, affirming the promise of God to remember sins no more in the new covenant.

Each of these commentaries reiterates the central Christian claim of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice as the fulfillment and conclusion of the sacrificial system instituted in the Old Testament.