Hebrews 10:4-10 reaffirms that God takes little interest in animal sacrifices but in verse 5 the writer says God has prepared a body for me instead. Is the writer here speaking of God planning the Incarnation of Christ?
Then in verse 9, the writer says that God has abolished the first in order to establish the second. What did God abolish and what did God establish? Then offer an explanation of how Christ’s body sanctifies us once and for all.
Yes, in Hebrews 10:5, the writer is referring to God’s preparation of a body for Jesus Christ in the incarnation. The writer is emphasizing that Christ’s physical body was the perfect sacrifice that fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided redemption for humanity, unlike the animal sacrifices that were unable to permanently atone for sin.
In verse 9, the writer is referring to the Old Covenant, which was established through the Mosaic Law and the sacrificial system. The Old Covenant was characterized by animal sacrifices that were required to be offered repeatedly in order to temporarily cover sins. The writer is saying that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross abolished the need for these animal sacrifices and established a new covenant based on His perfect sacrifice, which provides eternal redemption and forgiveness of sins.
In terms of how Christ’s body sanctifies us once and for all, the writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was a one-time event that provides permanent atonement for sins. Hebrews 10:10 says, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This means that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to sanctify us completely, and we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices or perform other rituals to be made holy.
The writer of Hebrews also emphasizes the significance of Christ’s high priesthood, which allows Him to intercede for us before God. Hebrews 10:12-14 says, “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His ongoing intercession for us, we are able to receive the fullness of God’s grace and be made holy in His sight.
Intentional Faith 