1116 lines
53 KiB
HTML
1116 lines
53 KiB
HTML
<HTML>
|
|
<HEAD>
|
|
<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Hebrews X].</TITLE>
|
|
<meta name="aesop" content="information">
|
|
<meta name="description" content=
|
|
"This site is for those friends and family members who may or may not know Our Lord Jesus Christ, and if not, they may come to know Our Lord through His Prophets."> <meta name="author" content="Brian Duncalfe">
|
|
<meta name="keywords" content=
|
|
"Prophecy, Rapture,hope,bible map,bible maps, God, tribulation,Second Coming,Christ,large print bible,commentary,complete">
|
|
</HEAD>
|
|
<body background="../sueback.jpg" bgproperties="fixed" >
|
|
<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
|
|
on the Whole Bible</h1>
|
|
<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
|
|
</h3>
|
|
</center>
|
|
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC58009.HTM">Previous</A>]
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC58011.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
|
|
</TD></TR></TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (Begin Body) -->
|
|
|
|
<CENTER>
|
|
<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>H E B R E W S.</B></FONT>
|
|
<BR>
|
|
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. X.</FONT>
|
|
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
|
|
</CENTER>
|
|
|
|
<FONT SIZE=-1>
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The apostle knew very well that the Hebrews, to whom he wrote, were
|
|
strangely fond of the Levitical dispensation, and therefore he fills
|
|
his mouth with arguments to wean them from it; and in order thereto
|
|
proceeds in this chapter,
|
|
|
|
I. To lay low the whole of that priesthood and sacrifice,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
|
|
|
|
II. He raises and exalts the priesthood of Christ very high, that he
|
|
might effectually recommend him and his gospel to them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:7-18">ver. 7-18</A>.
|
|
|
|
III. He shows to believers the honours and dignities of their state,
|
|
and calls them to suitable duties,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:19-39">ver. 19, to the end</A>.</P>
|
|
</FONT>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_1"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_2"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_3"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_4"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_5"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_6"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Priesthood of Christ.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, <I>and</I> not
|
|
the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices
|
|
which they offered year by year continually make the comers
|
|
thereunto perfect.
|
|
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because
|
|
that the worshippers once purged should have had no more
|
|
conscience of sins.
|
|
3 But in those <I>sacrifices there is</I> a remembrance again <I>made</I>
|
|
of sins every year.
|
|
4 For <I>it is</I> not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats
|
|
should take away sins.
|
|
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice
|
|
and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
|
|
6 In burnt offerings and <I>sacrifices</I> for sin thou hast had no
|
|
pleasure.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here the apostle, by the direction of the Spirit of God, sets himself
|
|
to lay low the Levitical dispensation; for though it was of divine
|
|
appointment, and very excellent and useful in its time and place, yet,
|
|
when it was set up in competition with Christ, to whom it was only
|
|
designed to lead the people, it was very proper and necessary to show
|
|
the weakness and imperfection of it, which the apostle does
|
|
effectually, from several arguments. As,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. That the law had a shadow, and but a shadow, of good things to come;
|
|
and who would dote upon a shadow, though of good things, especially
|
|
when the substance has come? Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. The things of Christ and the gospel are good things; they are the
|
|
best things; they are best in themselves, and the best for us: they are
|
|
realities of an excellent nature.
|
|
|
|
2. These good things were, under the Old Testament, good things to
|
|
come, not clearly discovered, nor fully enjoyed.
|
|
|
|
3. That the Jews then had but the shadow of the good things of Christ,
|
|
some adumbrations of them; we under the gospel have the substance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. That the law was not the very image of the good things to come. An
|
|
image is an exact draught of the thing represented thereby. The law did
|
|
not go so far, but was only a shadow, as the image of a person in a
|
|
looking-glass is a much more perfect representation than his shadow
|
|
upon the wall. The law was a very rough draught of the great design of
|
|
divine grace, and therefore not to be so much doted on.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The legal sacrifices, being offered year by year, could never make
|
|
the comers thereunto perfect; for then there would have been an end of
|
|
offering them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:1,2"><I>v.</I> 1, 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
Could they have satisfied the demands of justice, and made
|
|
reconciliation for iniquity,--could they have purified and pacified
|
|
conscience,--then they had ceased, as being no further necessary, since
|
|
the offerers would have had no more sin lying upon their consciences.
|
|
But this was not the case; after one day of atonement was over, the
|
|
sinner would fall again into one fault or another, and so there would
|
|
be need of another day of atonement, and of one every year, besides the
|
|
daily ministrations. Whereas now, under the gospel, the atonement is
|
|
perfect, and not to be repeated; and the sinner, once pardoned, is ever
|
|
pardoned as to his state, and only needs to renew his repentance and
|
|
faith, that he may have a comfortable sense of a continued pardon.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. As the legal sacrifices did not of themselves take away sin, so it
|
|
was impossible they should,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
There was an essential defect in them.
|
|
|
|
1. They were not of the same nature with us who sinned.
|
|
|
|
2. They were not of sufficient value to make satisfaction for the
|
|
affronts offered to the justice and government of God. They were not of
|
|
the same nature that offended, and so could not be suitable. Much less
|
|
were they of the same nature that was offended; and nothing less than
|
|
the nature that was offended could make the sacrifice a full
|
|
satisfaction for the offence.
|
|
|
|
3. The beasts offered up under the law could not consent to put
|
|
themselves in the sinner's room and place. The atoning sacrifice must
|
|
be one capable of consenting, and must voluntarily substitute himself
|
|
in the sinner's stead: Christ did so.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. There was a time fixed and foretold by the great God, and that time
|
|
had now come, when these legal sacrifices would be no longer accepted
|
|
by him nor useful to men. God never did desire them for themselves, and
|
|
now he abrogated them; and therefore to adhere to them now would be
|
|
resisting God and rejecting him. This time of the repeal of the
|
|
Levitical laws was foretold by David
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:6,7">Ps. xl. 6, 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
and is recited here as now come. Thus industriously does the apostle
|
|
lay low the Mosaical dispensation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_7"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_8"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_9"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_10"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_18"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Priesthood of Christ.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
|
|
written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
|
|
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt
|
|
offerings and <I>offering</I> for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst
|
|
pleasure <I>therein;</I> which are offered by the law;
|
|
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh
|
|
away the first, that he may establish the second.
|
|
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of
|
|
the body of Jesus Christ once <I>for all.</I>
|
|
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering
|
|
oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
|
|
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
|
|
for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
|
|
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his
|
|
footstool.
|
|
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
|
|
sanctified.
|
|
15 <I>Whereof</I> the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after
|
|
that he had said before,
|
|
16 This <I>is</I> the covenant that I will make with them after
|
|
those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts,
|
|
and in their minds will I write them;
|
|
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
|
|
18 Now where remission of these <I>is, there is</I> no more offering
|
|
for sin.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here the apostle raises up and exalts the Lord Jesus Christ, as high as
|
|
he had laid the Levitical priesthood low. He recommends Christ to them
|
|
as the true high priest, the true atoning sacrifice, the antitype of
|
|
all the rest: and this he illustrates,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. From the purpose and promise of God concerning Christ, which are
|
|
frequently recorded in the volume of the book of God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
God had not only decreed, but declared by Moses and the prophets, that
|
|
Christ should come and be the great high priest of the church, and
|
|
should offer up a perfect and a perfecting sacrifice. It was written of
|
|
Christ, in the beginning of the book of God, that <I>the seed of the
|
|
woman should break the serpent's head;</I> and the Old Testament
|
|
abounds with prophecies concerning Christ. Now since he is the person
|
|
so often promised, so much spoken of, so long expected by the people of
|
|
God, he ought to be received with great honour and gratitude.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. From what God had done in preparing a body for Christ (that is, a
|
|
human nature), that he might be qualified to be our Redeemer and
|
|
Advocate; uniting the two natures in his own person, he was a fit
|
|
Mediator to go between God and man; a days-man to lay his hand upon
|
|
both, a peace-maker, to reconcile them, and an everlasting band of
|
|
union between God and the creature--"<I>My ears hast thou opened;</I>
|
|
thou has fully instructed me, furnished and fitted me for the work, and
|
|
engaged me in it,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+40:6">Ps. xl. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now a Saviour thus provided, and prepared by God himself in so
|
|
extraordinary a manner, ought to be received with great affection and
|
|
gladness.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. From the readiness and willingness that Christ discovered to
|
|
engage in this work, when no other sacrifice would be accepted,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:7-9"><I>v.</I> 7-9</A>.
|
|
|
|
When no less sacrifice would be a proper satisfaction to the justice of
|
|
God than that of Christ himself, then Christ voluntarily came into it:
|
|
"<I>Lo, I come! I delight to do thy will, O God!</I> Let thy curse fall
|
|
upon me, but let these go their way. Father, I delight to fulfil thy
|
|
counsels, and my covenant with thee for them; I delight to perform all
|
|
thy promises, to fulfil all the prophecies." This should endear Christ
|
|
and our Bibles to us, that in Christ we have the fulfilling of the
|
|
scriptures.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. From the errand and design upon which Christ came; and this was to
|
|
do the will of God, not only as a prophet to reveal the will of God,
|
|
not only as a king to give forth divine laws, but as a priest to
|
|
satisfy the demands of justice, and to fulfil all righteousness. Christ
|
|
came to do the will of God in two instances.
|
|
|
|
1. In taking away the first priesthood, which God had no pleasure in;
|
|
not only taking away the curse of the covenant of works, and canceling
|
|
the sentence denounced against us as sinners, but taking away the
|
|
insufficient typical priesthood, and blotting out the hand-writing of
|
|
ceremonial ordinances and nailing it to his cross.
|
|
|
|
2. In establishing the second, that is, his own priesthood and the
|
|
everlasting gospel, the most pure and perfect dispensation of the
|
|
covenant of grace; this is the great design upon which the heart of God
|
|
was set from all eternity. The will of God centers and terminates in
|
|
it; and it is not more agreeable to the will of God than it is
|
|
advantageous to the souls of men; for it is by this will that <I>we are
|
|
sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for
|
|
all,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) What is the fountain of all that Christ has done for his
|
|
people--the sovereign will and grace of God.
|
|
|
|
(2.) How we come to partake of what Christ has done for us--by being
|
|
sanctified, converted, effectually called, wherein we are united to
|
|
Christ, and so partake of the benefits of his redemption; and this
|
|
sanctification is owing to the oblation he made of himself to God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. From the perfect efficacy of the priesthood of Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>By one offering he hath for ever perfected those that are
|
|
sanctified;</I> he has delivered and will perfectly deliver those that
|
|
are brought over to him, from all the guilt, power, and punishment of
|
|
sin, and will put them into the sure possession of perfect holiness and
|
|
felicity. This is what the Levitical priesthood could never do; and, if
|
|
we indeed are aiming at a perfect state, we must receive the Lord Jesus
|
|
as the only high priest that can bring us to that state.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. From the place to which our Lord Jesus is now exalted, the honour
|
|
he has there, and the further honour he shall have: <I>This man, after
|
|
he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down at the right
|
|
hand of God, henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his
|
|
footstool,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:12,13"><I>v.</I> 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here observe,
|
|
|
|
1. To what honour Christ, as man and Mediator, is exalted--to the right
|
|
hand of God, the seat of power, interest, and activity: the giving
|
|
hand; all the favours that God bestows on his people are handed to them
|
|
by Christ: the receiving hand; all the duties that God accepts from men
|
|
are presented by Christ: the working hand; all that pertains to the
|
|
kingdoms of providence and grace is administered by Christ; and
|
|
therefore this is the highest post of honour.
|
|
|
|
2. How Christ came to this honour--not merely by the purpose or
|
|
donation of the Father, but by his own merit and purchase, as a reward
|
|
due to his sufferings; and, as he can never be deprived of an honour so
|
|
much his due, so he will never quit it, nor cease to employ it for his
|
|
people's good.
|
|
|
|
3. How he enjoys this honour--with the greatest satisfaction and rest;
|
|
he is for ever sitting down there. The Father acquiesces and is
|
|
satisfied in him; he is satisfied in his Father's will and presence;
|
|
this is his rest for ever; here he will dwell, for he has both desired
|
|
and deserved it.
|
|
|
|
4. He has further expectations, which shall not be disappointed; for
|
|
they are grounded upon the promise of the Father, who hath said unto
|
|
him, <I>Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy
|
|
footstool,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+110:1">Ps. cx. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
One would think such a person as Christ could have no enemies except in
|
|
hell; but it is certain that he has enemies on earth, very many, and
|
|
very inveterate ones. Let not Christians then wonder that they have
|
|
enemies, though they desire to live peaceably with all men. But
|
|
Christ's enemies shall be made his footstool; some by conversion,
|
|
others by confusion; and, which way soever it be, Christ will be
|
|
honoured. Of this Christ is assured, this he is expecting, and his
|
|
people should rejoice in the expectation of it; for, when his enemies
|
|
shall be subdued, their enemies, that are so for his sake, shall be
|
|
subdued also.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VII. The apostle recommends Christ from the witness the Holy Ghost has
|
|
given in the scriptures concerning him; this relates chiefly to what
|
|
should be the happy fruit and consequence of his humiliation and
|
|
sufferings, which in general is that new and gracious covenant that is
|
|
founded upon his satisfaction, and sealed by his blood
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness.</I> The passage is cited from
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+31:31">Jer. xxxi. 31</A>,
|
|
|
|
in which covenant God promises,
|
|
|
|
1. That he will pour out his Spirit upon his people, so as to give them
|
|
wisdom, will, and power, to obey his word; he will put his laws in
|
|
their hearts, and write them in their minds,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
This will make their duty plain, easy, and pleasant.
|
|
|
|
2. Their sins and iniquities he will remember no more
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
which will alone show the riches of divine grace, and the sufficiency
|
|
of Christ's satisfaction, that it needs not be repeated,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
For there shall be no more remembrance of sin against true believers,
|
|
either to shame them now or to condemn them hereafter. This was much
|
|
more than the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices could effect.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
And now we have gone through the doctrinal part of the epistle, in
|
|
which we have met with many things dark and difficult to be understood,
|
|
which we must impute to the weakness and dulness of our own minds. The
|
|
apostle now proceeds to apply this great doctrine, so as to influence
|
|
their affections, and direct their practice, setting before them the
|
|
dignities and duties of the gospel state.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_28"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_36"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Heb10_39"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Consecrated Way; Cautions against Apostasy; Perseverance Inculcated.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the
|
|
holiest by the blood of Jesus,
|
|
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
|
|
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
|
|
21 And <I>having</I> a high priest over the house of God;
|
|
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
|
|
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and
|
|
our bodies washed with pure water.
|
|
23 Let us hold fast the profession of <I>our</I> faith without
|
|
wavering; (for he <I>is</I> faithful that promised;)
|
|
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to
|
|
good works:
|
|
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
|
|
manner of some <I>is;</I> but exhorting <I>one another:</I> and so much the
|
|
more, as ye see the day approaching.
|
|
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the
|
|
knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for
|
|
sins,
|
|
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
|
|
indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
|
|
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or
|
|
three witnesses:
|
|
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be
|
|
thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and
|
|
hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
|
|
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
|
|
Spirit of grace?
|
|
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance <I>belongeth</I> unto
|
|
me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall
|
|
judge his people.
|
|
31 <I>It is</I> a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
|
|
God.
|
|
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye
|
|
were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
|
|
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches
|
|
and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them
|
|
that were so used.
|
|
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully
|
|
the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in
|
|
heaven a better and an enduring substance.
|
|
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great
|
|
recompence of reward.
|
|
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the
|
|
will of God, ye might receive the promise.
|
|
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,
|
|
and will not tarry.
|
|
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if <I>any man</I> draw
|
|
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
|
|
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of
|
|
them that believe to the saving of the soul.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Here the apostle sets forth the dignities of the gospel state. It is
|
|
fit that believers should know the honours and privileges that Christ
|
|
has procured for them, that, while they take the comfort, they may give
|
|
him the glory of all. The privileges are,
|
|
|
|
1. Boldness to enter into the holiest. They have access to God, light
|
|
to direct them, liberty of spirit and of speech to conform to the
|
|
direction; they have a right to the privilege and a readiness for it,
|
|
assistance to use and improve it and assurance of acceptance and
|
|
advantage. They may enter into the gracious presence of God in his holy
|
|
oracles, ordinances, providences, and covenant, and so into communion
|
|
with God, where they receive communications from him, till they are
|
|
prepared to enter into his glorious presence in heaven.
|
|
|
|
2. A high priest over the house of God, even this blessed Jesus, who
|
|
presides over the church militant, and every member thereof on earth,
|
|
and over the church triumphant in heaven. God is willing to dwell with
|
|
men on earth, and to have them dwell with him in heaven; but fallen man
|
|
cannot dwell with God without a high priest, who is the Mediator of
|
|
reconciliation here and of fruition hereafter.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. The apostle tells us the way and means by which Christians enjoy
|
|
such privileges, and, in general, declares it to be <I>by the blood of
|
|
Jesus,</I> by the merit of that blood which he offered up to God as an
|
|
atoning sacrifice: he has purchased for all who believe in him free
|
|
access to God in the ordinances of his grace here and in the kingdom of
|
|
his glory. This blood, being sprinkled on the conscience, chases away
|
|
slavish fear, and gives the believer assurance both of his safety and
|
|
his welcome into the divine presence. Now the apostle, having given
|
|
this general account of the way by which we have access to God, enters
|
|
further into the particulars of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
As,
|
|
|
|
1. It is the only way; there is no way left but this. The first way to
|
|
the tree of life is, and has been, long shut up.
|
|
|
|
2. It is a new way, both in opposition to the covenant of works and to
|
|
the antiquated dispensation of the Old Testament; it is <I>via
|
|
novissima--the last way</I> that will ever be opened to men. Those who
|
|
will not enter in this way exclude themselves for ever. It is a way
|
|
that will always be effectual.
|
|
|
|
3. It is a living way. It would be death to attempt to come to God in
|
|
the way of the covenant of works; but this way we may come to God, and
|
|
live. It is by a living Saviour, who, though he was dead, is alive; and
|
|
it is a way that gives life and lively hope to those who enter into it.
|
|
|
|
4. It is a way that Christ has consecrated for us through the veil,
|
|
that is, his flesh. The veil in the tabernacle and temple signified the
|
|
body of Christ; when he died, the veil of the temple was rent in
|
|
sunder, and this was at the time of the evening sacrifice, and gave the
|
|
people a surprising view into the holy of holies, which they never had
|
|
before. Our way to heaven is by a crucified Saviour; his death is to
|
|
us the way of life. To those who believe this he will be precious.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. He proceeds to show the Hebrews the duties binding upon them on
|
|
account of these privileges, which were conferred in such an
|
|
extraordinary way,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:22,23"><I>v.</I> 22, 23</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They must draw near to God, and that in a right manner. They must
|
|
draw near to God. Since such a way of access and return to God is
|
|
opened, it would be the greatest ingratitude and contempt of God and
|
|
Christ still to keep at a distance from him. They must draw near by
|
|
conversion, and by taking hold of his covenant. They must draw near in
|
|
all holy conversation, like Enoch walking with God. They must draw near
|
|
in humble adorations, worshipping at his footstool. They must draw near
|
|
in holy dependence, and in a strict observance of the divine conduct
|
|
towards them. They must draw near in conformity to God, and communion
|
|
with him, living under his blessed influence, still endeavouring to get
|
|
nearer and nearer, till they come to dwell in his presence; but they
|
|
must see to it that they make their approach to God after a right
|
|
manner.
|
|
|
|
(1.) With a true heart, without any allowed guile or hypocrisy. God is
|
|
the searcher of hearts, and he requires truth in the inward parts.
|
|
Sincerity is our gospel perfection, though not our justifying
|
|
righteousness.
|
|
|
|
(2.) In full assurance of faith, with a faith grown up to a full
|
|
persuasion that when we come to God by Christ we shall have audience
|
|
and acceptance. We should lay aside all sinful distrust. Without faith
|
|
it is impossible to please God; and the stronger our faith is the more
|
|
glory we give to God. And,
|
|
|
|
(3.) Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, by a
|
|
believing application of the blood of Christ to our souls. They may be
|
|
cleansed from guilt, from filth, from sinful fear and torment, from all
|
|
aversion to God and duty, from ignorance, and error, and superstition,
|
|
and whatever evils the consciences of men are subject to by reason of
|
|
sin.
|
|
|
|
(4.) Our bodies washed with pure water, that is, with the water of
|
|
baptism (by which we are recorded among the disciples of Christ,
|
|
members of his mystical body), or with the sanctifying virtue of the
|
|
Holy Spirit, reforming and regulating our outward conversation as well
|
|
as our inward frame, cleansing from the filthiness of the flesh as well
|
|
as of the spirit. The priests under the law were to wash, before they
|
|
went into the presence of the Lord to offer before him. There must be a
|
|
due preparation for making our approaches to God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The apostle exhorts believers to hold fast the profession of their
|
|
faith,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The duty itself--to hold fast the profession of our faith, to
|
|
embrace all the truths and ways of the gospel, to get fast hold of
|
|
them, and to keep that hold against all temptation and opposition. Our
|
|
spiritual enemies will do what they can to wrest our faith, and hope,
|
|
and holiness, and comfort, out of our hands, but we must hold fast our
|
|
religion as our best treasure.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The manner in which we must do this--without wavering, without
|
|
doubting, without disputing, without dallying with temptation to
|
|
apostasy. Having once settled these great things between God and our
|
|
souls, we must be stedfast and immovable. Those who begin to waver in
|
|
matters of Christian faith and practice are in danger of falling away.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The motive or reason enforcing this duty: <I>He is faithful that
|
|
hath promised.</I> God has made great and precious promises to
|
|
believers, and he is a faithful God, true to his word; there is no
|
|
falseness nor fickleness with him, and there should be none with us.
|
|
His faithfulness should excite and encourage us to be faithful, and we
|
|
must depend more upon his promises to us than upon our promises to him,
|
|
and we must plead with him the promise of grace sufficient.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. We have the means prescribed for preventing our apostasy, and
|
|
promoting our fidelity and perseverance,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:24,25"><I>v.</I> 24, 25</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. He mentions several; as,
|
|
|
|
1. That we should <I>consider one another, to provoke to love and to
|
|
good works.</I> Christians ought to have a tender consideration and
|
|
concern for one another; they should affectionately consider what their
|
|
several wants, weaknesses, and temptations are; and they should do
|
|
this, not to reproach one another, to provoke one another not to anger,
|
|
but to love and good works, calling upon themselves and one another to
|
|
love God and Christ more, to love duty and holiness more, to love their
|
|
brethren in Christ more, and to do all the good offices of Christian
|
|
affection both to the bodies and the souls of each other. A good
|
|
example given to others is the best and most effectual provocation to
|
|
love and good works.
|
|
|
|
2. <I>Not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is the will of Christ that his disciples should assemble together,
|
|
sometimes more privately for conference and prayer, and in public for
|
|
hearing and joining in all the ordinances of gospel worship. There were
|
|
in the apostles' times, and should be in every age, Christian
|
|
assemblies for the worship of God, and for mutual edification. And it
|
|
seems even in those times there were some who forsook these assemblies,
|
|
and so began to apostatize from religion itself. The communion of
|
|
saints is a great help and privilege, and a good means of steadiness
|
|
and perseverance; hereby their hearts and hands are mutually
|
|
strengthened.
|
|
|
|
3. To exhort one another, to exhort ourselves and each other, to warn
|
|
ourselves and one another of the sin and danger of backsliding, to put
|
|
ourselves and our fellow-christians in mind of our duty, of our
|
|
failures and corruptions, to watch over one another, and be jealous of
|
|
ourselves and one another with a godly jealousy. This, managed with a
|
|
true gospel spirit, would be the best and most cordial friendship.
|
|
|
|
4. That we should observe the approaching of times of trial, and be
|
|
thereby quickened to greater diligence: <I>So much the more, as you see
|
|
the day approaching.</I> Christians ought to observe the signs of the
|
|
times, such as God has foretold. There was a day approaching, a
|
|
terrible day to the Jewish nation, when their city should be destroyed,
|
|
and the body of the people rejected of God for rejecting Christ. This
|
|
would be a day of dispersion and temptation to the chosen remnant. Now
|
|
the apostle puts them upon observing what signs there were of the
|
|
approach of such a terrible day, and upon being the more constant in
|
|
meeting together and exhorting one another, that they might be the
|
|
better prepared for such a day. There is a trying day coming on us all,
|
|
the day of our death, and we should observe all the signs of its
|
|
approaching, and improve them to greater watchfulness and diligence in
|
|
duty.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. Having mentioned these means of establishment, the apostle proceeds,
|
|
in the close of the chapter, to enforce his exhortations to
|
|
perseverance, and against apostasy, by many very weighty
|
|
considerations,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:26,27"><I>v.</I> 26, 27</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. From the description he gives of the sin of apostasy. It is
|
|
<I>sinning wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the
|
|
truth,</I> sinning wilfully against that truth of which we have had
|
|
convincing evidence. This text has been the occasion of great distress
|
|
to some gracious souls; they have been ready to conclude that every
|
|
wilful sin, after conviction and against knowledge, is the unpardonable
|
|
sin: but this has been their infirmity and error. The sin here
|
|
mentioned is a total and final apostasy, when men with a full and fixed
|
|
will and resolution despise and reject Christ, the only
|
|
Saviour,--despise and resist the Spirit, the only sanctifier,--and
|
|
despise and renounce the gospel, the only way of salvation, and the
|
|
words of eternal life; and all this after they have known, owned, and
|
|
professed, the Christian religion, and continue to do so obstinately
|
|
and maliciously. This is the great transgression: the apostle seems to
|
|
refer to the law concerning presumptuous sinners,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+15:30,31">Num. xv. 30, 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were to be cut off.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. From the dreadful doom of such apostates.
|
|
|
|
(1.) There remains no more sacrifice for such sins, no other Christ to
|
|
come to save such sinners; they sin against the last resort and remedy.
|
|
There were some sins under the law for which no sacrifices were
|
|
provided; but yet if those who committed them did truly repent, though
|
|
they might not escape temporal death, they might escape eternal
|
|
destruction; for Christ would come, and make atonement. But now those
|
|
under the gospel who will not accept of Christ, that they may be saved
|
|
by him, have no other refuge left them.
|
|
|
|
(2.) There remains for them only a certain fearful looking for of
|
|
judgment,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some think this refers to the dreadful destruction of the Jewish church
|
|
and state; but certainly it refers also to the utter destruction that
|
|
awaits all obstinate apostates at death and judgment, when the Judge
|
|
will discover a fiery indignation against them, which will devour the
|
|
adversaries; they will be consigned to the devouring fire and to
|
|
everlasting burnings. Of this destruction God gives some notorious
|
|
sinners, while on earth, a fearful foreboding in their own consciences,
|
|
a dreadful looking for it, with a despair of ever being able either to
|
|
endure or escape it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. From the methods of divine justice with those who despised Moses's
|
|
law, that is, sinned presumptuously, despising his authority, his
|
|
threatenings and his power. These, when convicted by two or three
|
|
witnesses, were put to death; they died without mercy, a temporal
|
|
death. Observe, Wise governors should be careful to keep up the credit
|
|
of their government and the authority of the laws, by punishing
|
|
presumptuous offenders; but then in such cases there should be good
|
|
evidence of the fact. Thus God ordained in Moses's law; and hence the
|
|
apostle infers the heavy doom that will fall upon those that apostatize
|
|
from Christ. Here he refers to their own consciences, to judge how much
|
|
sorer punishment the despisers of Christ (after they have professed to
|
|
know him) are likely to undergo; and they may judge of the greatness of
|
|
the punishment by the greatness of the sin.
|
|
|
|
(1.) They have <I>trodden under foot the Son of God.</I> To trample
|
|
upon an ordinary person shows intolerable insolence; to treat a person
|
|
of honour in that vile manner is insufferable; but to deal thus with
|
|
the Son of God, who himself is God, must be the highest provocation--to
|
|
trample upon his person, denying him to be the Messiah--to trample upon
|
|
his authority, and undermine his kingdom--to trample upon his members
|
|
as the offscouring of all things, and not fit to live in the world;
|
|
what punishment can be too great for such men?
|
|
|
|
(2.) They have <I>counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
|
|
sanctified, an unholy thing;</I> that is, the blood of Christ, with
|
|
which the covenant was purchased and sealed, and wherewith Christ
|
|
himself was consecrated, or wherewith the apostate was sanctified, that
|
|
is, baptized, visibly initiated into the new covenant by baptism, and
|
|
admitted to the Lord's supper. Observe, There is a kind of
|
|
sanctification which persons may partake of and yet fall away: they may
|
|
be distinguished by common gifts and graces, by an outward profession,
|
|
by a form of godliness, a course of duties, and a set of privileges,
|
|
and yet fall away finally. Men who have seemed before to have the blood
|
|
of Christ in high esteem may come to account it an unholy thing, no
|
|
better than the blood of a malefactor, though it was the world's
|
|
ransom, and every drop of it of infinite value.
|
|
|
|
(3.) <I>Those have done despite unto the Spirit of grace,</I> the
|
|
Spirit that is graciously given to men, and that works grace wherever
|
|
it is,--the Spirit of grace, that should be regarded and attended to
|
|
with the greatest care,--this Spirit they have grieved, resisted,
|
|
quenched, yea, done despite to him, which is the highest act of
|
|
wickedness, and makes the case of the sinner desperate, refusing to
|
|
have the gospel salvation applied to him. Now he leaves it to the
|
|
consciences of all, appeals to universal reason and equity, whether
|
|
such aggravated crimes ought not to receive a suitable punishment, a
|
|
sorer punishment than those who had died without mercy? But what
|
|
punishment can be sorer than to die without mercy? I answer, To die by
|
|
mercy, by the mercy and grace which they have despised. How dreadful is
|
|
the case when not only the justice of God, but his abused grace and
|
|
mercy call for vengeance!</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. From the description we have in the scripture of the nature of God's
|
|
vindictive justice,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:30"><I>v.</I> 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
We know that he has said, <I>Vengeance is mine.</I> This is taken out
|
|
of
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+94:1">Ps. xciv. 1</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Vengeance belongs unto me.</I> The terrors of the Lord are known
|
|
both by revelation and reason. Vindictive justice is a glorious, though
|
|
terrible attribute of God; it belongs to him, and he will use and
|
|
execute it upon the heads of such sinners as despise his grace; he will
|
|
avenge himself, and his Son, and Spirit, and covenant, upon apostates.
|
|
And how dreadful then will their case be! The other quotation is from
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:36">Deut. xxxii. 36</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>The Lord will judge his people;</I> he will search and try his
|
|
visible church, and will discover and detect those who say they are
|
|
Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan; and he will
|
|
separate the precious from the vile, and will punish the sinners in
|
|
Zion with the greatest severity. Now those who know him who hath said,
|
|
<I>Vengeance belongeth to me, I will recompense,</I> must needs
|
|
conclude, as the apostle does
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:31"><I>v.</I> 31</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.</I>
|
|
Those who know the joy that results from the favour of God can thereby
|
|
judge of the power and dread of his vindictive wrath. Observe here,
|
|
What will be the eternal misery of impenitent sinners and apostates:
|
|
they shall fall into the hands of the living God; their punishment
|
|
shall come from God's own hand. He takes them into the hand of his
|
|
justice; he will deal with them himself; their greatest misery will be
|
|
the immediate impressions of divine wrath on the soul. When he punishes
|
|
them by creatures, the instrument abates something of the force of the
|
|
blow; but, when he does it by his own hand, it is infinite misery. This
|
|
they shall have at God's hand, they shall lie down in sorrow; their
|
|
destruction shall come from his glorious powerful presence; when they
|
|
make their woeful bed in hell, they will find that God is there, and
|
|
his presence will be their greatest terror and torment. And he is a
|
|
living God; he lives for ever, and will punish for ever.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. He presses them to perseverance by putting them in mind of their
|
|
former sufferings for Christ: <I>But call to mind the former days, in
|
|
which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of
|
|
afflictions,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:32"><I>v.</I> 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
In the early days of the gospel there was a very hot persecution raised
|
|
up against the professors of the Christian religion, and the believing
|
|
Hebrews had their share of it: he would have them to remember,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) When they had suffered: <I>In former days, after</I> they were
|
|
<I>illuminated;</I> that is, as soon as God had breathed life into
|
|
their souls, and caused divine light to spring up in their minds, and
|
|
taken them into his favour and covenant; then earth and hell combined
|
|
all their force against them. Here observe, A natural state is a dark
|
|
state, and those who continue in that state meet with no disturbance
|
|
from Satan and the world; but a state of grace is a state of light, and
|
|
therefore the powers of darkness will violently oppose it. Those who
|
|
will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) What they suffered: they <I>endured a great fight of
|
|
afflictions,</I> many and various afflictions united together against
|
|
them, and they had a great conflict with them. Many are the troubles of
|
|
the righteous.
|
|
|
|
[1.] They were afflicted in themselves. In their own persons; they were
|
|
made gazing-stocks, spectacles to the world, angels, and men,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+4:9">1 Cor. iv. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
In their names and reputations
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>),
|
|
|
|
by many reproaches. Christians ought to value their reputation; and
|
|
they do so especially because the reputation of religion is concerned:
|
|
this makes reproach a great affliction. They were afflicted in their
|
|
estates, by the spoiling of their goods, by fines and forfeitures.
|
|
|
|
[2.] They were afflicted in the afflictions of their brethren:
|
|
<I>Partly while you became companions of those that were so used.</I>
|
|
The Christian spirit is a sympathizing spirit, not a selfish spirit,
|
|
but a compassionate spirit; it makes every Christian's suffering our
|
|
own, puts us upon pitying others, visiting them, helping them, and
|
|
pleading for them. Christians are one body, are animated by one
|
|
spirit, have embarked in one common cause and interest, and are the
|
|
children of that God who is afflicted in all the afflictions of his
|
|
people. If one member of the body suffers, all the rest suffer with it.
|
|
The apostle takes particular notice how they had sympathized with him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>You had compassion on me in my bonds.</I> We must thankfully
|
|
acknowledge the compassions our Christian friends have shown for us
|
|
under our afflictions.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) How they had suffered. They had been mightily supported under
|
|
their former sufferings; they took their sufferings patiently, and not
|
|
only so, but joyfully received it from God as a favour and honour
|
|
conferred upon them that they should be thought worthy to suffer
|
|
reproach for the name of Christ. God can strengthen his suffering
|
|
people with all might in the inner man, to all patience and
|
|
long-suffering, and that with joyfulness,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:11">Col. i. 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) What it was that enabled them thus to bear up under their
|
|
sufferings. They knew in themselves that they had in heaven a better
|
|
and a more enduring substance. Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The happiness of the saints in heaven is substance, something of
|
|
real weight and worth. All things here are but shadows.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is a better substance than any thing they can have or lose
|
|
here.
|
|
|
|
[3.] It is an enduring substance, it will out-live time and run
|
|
parallel with eternity; they can never spend it; their enemies can
|
|
never take it from them, as they did their earthly goods.
|
|
|
|
[4.] This will make a rich amends for all they can lose and suffer
|
|
here. In heaven they shall have a better life, a better estate, better
|
|
liberty, better society, better hearts, better work, every thing
|
|
better.
|
|
|
|
[5.] Christians should know this in themselves, they should get the
|
|
assurance of it in themselves (the Spirit of God witnessing with their
|
|
spirits), for the assured knowledge of this will help them to endure
|
|
any fight of afflictions they may be encountered with in this
|
|
world.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
6. He presses them to persevere, from that recompense of reward that
|
|
waited for all faithful Christians
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:35"><I>v.</I> 35</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense
|
|
of reward.</I> Here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) He exhorts them not to cast away their confidence, that is, their
|
|
holy courage and boldness, but to hold fast that profession for which
|
|
they had suffered so much before, and borne those sufferings so well.
|
|
|
|
(2.) He encourages them to this by assuring them that the reward of
|
|
their holy confidence would be very great. It carries a present reward
|
|
in it, in holy peace and joy, and much of God's presence and his power
|
|
resting upon them; and it shall have a great recompense of reward
|
|
hereafter.
|
|
|
|
(3.) He shows them how necessary a grace the grace of patience is in
|
|
our present state
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:36"><I>v.</I> 36</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>You have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God
|
|
you might receive the promise;</I> that is, this promised reward.
|
|
Observe, The greatest part of the saints' happiness is in promise. They
|
|
must first do the will of God before they receive the promise; and,
|
|
after they have done the will of God, they have need of patience to
|
|
wait for the time when the promise shall be fulfilled; they have need
|
|
of patience to live till God calls them away. It is a trial of the
|
|
patience of Christians, to be content to live after their work is done,
|
|
and to stay for the reward till God's time to give it them is come. We
|
|
must be God's waiting servants when we can be no longer his working
|
|
servants. Those who have had and exercised much patience already must
|
|
have and exercise more till they die.
|
|
|
|
(4.) To help their patience, he assures them of the near approach of
|
|
Christ's coming to deliver and to reward them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will
|
|
not tarry.</I> He will soon come to them at death, and put an end to
|
|
all their sufferings, and give them a crown of life. He will soon come
|
|
to judgment, and put an end to the sufferings of the whole church (all
|
|
his mystical body), and give them an ample and glorious reward in the
|
|
most public manner. There is an appointed time for both, and beyond
|
|
that time he will not tarry,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hab+2:3">Hab. ii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Christian's present conflict may be sharp, but it will be soon
|
|
over.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
7. He presses them to perseverance, by telling them that this is their
|
|
distinguishing character and will be their happiness; whereas apostasy
|
|
is the reproach, and will be the ruin, of all who are guilty of it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:38,39"><I>v.</I> 38, 39</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Now the just shall live by faith,</I> &c.
|
|
|
|
(1.) It is the honourable character of just men that in times of the
|
|
greatest affliction they can live by faith; they can live upon the
|
|
assured persuasion they have of the truth of God's promises. Faith puts
|
|
life and vigour into them. They can trust God, and live upon him, and
|
|
wait his time: and, as their faith maintains their spiritual life now,
|
|
it shall be crowned with eternal life hereafter.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Apostasy is the mark and the brand of those in whom God takes no
|
|
pleasure; and it is a cause of God's severe displeasure and anger. God
|
|
never was pleased with the formal profession and external duties and
|
|
services of such as do not persevere. He saw the hypocrisy of their
|
|
hearts then; and he is greatly provoked when their formality in
|
|
religion ends in an open apostasy from religion. He beholds them with
|
|
great displeasure; they are an offence to him.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The apostle concludes with declaring his good hope concerning
|
|
himself and these Hebrews, that they should not forfeit the character
|
|
and happiness of the just, and fall under the brand and misery of the
|
|
wicked
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:39"><I>v.</I> 39</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>But we are not,</I> &c.; as if he had said, "I hope we are not of
|
|
those who draw back. I hope that you and I, who have met with great
|
|
trials already, and have been supported under them by the grace of God
|
|
strengthening our faith, shall not be at any time left to ourselves to
|
|
draw back to perdition; but that God will still keep us by his mighty
|
|
power through faith unto salvation." Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Professors may go a great way, and after all draw back; and this
|
|
drawing back from God is drawing on to perdition: the further we depart
|
|
from God the nearer we approach to ruin.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Those who have been kept faithful in great trials for the time
|
|
past have reason to hope that the same grace will be sufficient to help
|
|
them still to live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith
|
|
and patience, even the salvation of their souls. If we live by faith,
|
|
and die in faith, our souls will be safe for ever.</P>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (End Body) -->
|
|
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC58009.HTM">Previous</A>]
|
|
[<A HREF="MHC58011.HTM">Next</A>]<BR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
|
|
Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
|
|
<TR>
|
|
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
|
|
|
|
|
|
<!--Matthew_Henry's_Commentary_on_the_Whole_Bible:_Hebrews_X.--><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank"><b>Back to Bibles Net . Com - Online Christian Library </b></a><br>
|
|
<a href="http://biblesnet.com/download.html" target="_blank"><br>
|
|
<b>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Free Download</b></a><br>
|
|
<br>
|
|
<A HREF="http://biblesnet.com/contactus.html" target="_blank"><strong>Contact Us </strong></A><br>
|
|
|
|
</TD></TR></TABLE>
|
|
<HR>
|
|
</BODY>
|
|
</HTML>
|