What does "He sets aside the first" mean in Hebrews 10:9? Setting the Scene Hebrews 10 draws a sharp contrast between the repetitive animal sacrifices of the Mosaic Law and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Verse 9 says: “then He said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do Your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.” What “the first” Refers To • The first covenant—also called the Mosaic or Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:7,13). • Its system of priests, sacrifices, and rituals given at Sinai (Exodus 24:3-8). • A covenant that could “never by the same sacrifices… make perfect” those who draw near (Hebrews 10:1). How Christ “sets aside” the First • Fulfillment, not failure ▪ Matthew 5:17—Jesus “came not to abolish but to fulfill.” ▪ By perfectly obeying the Law, He met every righteous demand (Romans 10:4). • Final sacrifice offered ▪ Hebrews 10:10—“We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” ▪ His death satisfies God’s justice completely (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 3:18). • Legal cancellation ▪ Colossians 2:14—He “canceled the record of debt… nailing it to the cross.” ▪ The ceremonial aspects become “obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13). • Institution of the New Covenant ▪ Jeremiah 31:31-34 promised a covenant written on hearts. ▪ Jesus declared, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). What “the second” Establishes • A better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6). • Direct access to God through a single Mediator (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:5). • Complete forgiveness: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). • An indwelling Spirit who enables obedience from the heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 8:3-4). The Significance for Believers Today • No return to ritual sacrifices—Christ’s work is sufficient and finished (John 19:30). • Freedom from condemnation, yet a call to joyful obedience (Romans 8:1; Titus 2:11-14). • Confidence to draw near “with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). • Hope anchored in a covenant that can never be nullified, because it rests on Christ’s unchangeable priesthood (Hebrews 7:24-25). |
    |