Paul opens this chapter talking about the shortcomings of animal blood and the difficulty of the Old Law to come out and say that there would be a new law to replace it. But, how could God's people live via a Law, knowing that it would later be replaced? This was the struggle of the Old Testament as much as any. The Old Law did not remove sin and was not utterly complete. But it could not be! Or the reason for the New Testament would be nigh. Verse 4 says "It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." The animal blood falls short of perfection and Christ himself as the sacrifice was complete fulfillment. Verse 12 - " But this man, after He had offered One Sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the Right Hand of God." This is in contrast to the priests of the Temple. Their work was never completed and they never sat down. The "finished work" of Jesus was to die for our sins and forgive them. Now that His work is done He is with God. This stanza ends with the confirmation of this finished work. Giving us full clarity and understanding that we are saved and our sins are forgiven. Accept Him, and enjoy His mercy and His Grace.
Paul talks to us about Faith in the finished work. Now that we have a way to understand the New Covenant and having access to God on a daily basis we are to near to God. Verse 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." Our hearts have been freed from the evil load of sin and our bodies by baptism are free as well. Do not waver in this faith, Paul continues, and help one another. Show love and do good works together in His name. He calls us to do many things in our lives, how much of our calling is given to Him or do we let Him determine?
Paul issues us caution in losing our faith. The fiery pits of hell await the unfaithful and unrepentant. Verse 27 tells us to be fearful of the judgement of God that devours His adversaries. If we are not with God and forgiven by Christ for our manly disease, we are against God and against the belief we once had. Our punishment will be greater than those who never knew Him for they are primarily ignorant. Because we knew Him, and forsook Him, we are cast down and trodden under the foot of the Lord. Be aware of the consequences of our actions. Where does God find you?
Paul speaks to the rewards we are to receive as a result of our Faith and our loyalty to the Cross. Even with great pain and suffering here on Earth, our rewards are that much greater in His Kingdom. Verse 34 - "...knowing in yourselves that you have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance." This is a security blanket for our shortcomings and weaknesses. Yes we will fail and face difficult things, but they are nothing when compared to the riches of Heaven. Be encouraged more with the struggles we face. That means the devil is coming for us. He sees God working in us and that alone triggers the attention of Satan. Do not draw back away from God in this time. That a terrible and costly mistake. Continue to be saved and live by Faith in Him. How are you tempted and overcome these temptations?