A Paraphrase on the New Testament, Hebrews · Chapter 10
CHAP. X.
1. FOR the law having a ſhadow of good things to come, and not the very Image of the things, can never with thoſe ſacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the commers thereunto perfect.
1. For the Law having but in its Ceremonies a ſhadow of the great heavenly Bleſſings of the Goſpel, and not the clear Image (or Draught or Map) of the things themſelves, doth ſhew by the frequent yearly iteration of thoſe Sacrifices, that it doth not perfect the Sacrifices.
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.
2. For then they would have ceaſed to be offered, becauſe the Worſhippers once pardoned and cleanſed, ſhould have no more conſcience of guilt, or remaining pravity.
3. But in thoſe ſacrifices there is a remembrance again made of ſins every year. 4. For it is not poſſible that the bloud of bulls and of goats, ſhould take away ſins.
3, 4. Note 1. This Text doth not deny that the faithful Jews were then forgiven, nor that the Law conduced to it, as uſed in ſubordination to the antecedent Promiſe and Law of Grace: But without this Promiſe, the Law could not do it. 2. Nor doth this infer, that we may not mention, lament and beg pardon for our old ſin, while we live on Earth: Nor that renewed ſins have no need of a renewed pardon; but no need of a new Sacrifice.
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 ſacrifices for ſin thou haſt had no pleaſure: 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 offering for ſin thou wouldeſt not, neither hadſt pleaſure therein, 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.
5, 6, 7, 8, 9. David, as a Prophet, perſonating Chriſt, ſaith, &c. taking down Sacrifices as inſufficient, and introducing Chriſts obedient Sacrifice of himſelf.
10. By the which will we are ſanctified through the offering of the body of Jeſus Chriſt once for all.
10. And by this Decree of God, giving us a Saviour to be a Sacrifice for our ſins, we are (as far as belongeth to the Expiating Sacrifice) made a holy people unto God, the ſins of the faithful, by this price being pardoned, and Reconciliation made.
11. And every prieſt ſtandeth daily miniſtring and offering oftentimes the ſame ſacrifices, which can never take away ſins.
11. And the Prieſts muſt be ſtill ſacrificing the ſame things, never finiſhing the Expiation.
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.
12, 13. But Chriſt having offered but one Sacrifice for ſins, as ſufficient, for ever ſate down in the poſſeſſion of Glory, and univerſal Dominion in the Heavens, on the right hand of God, where he will reign, till he hath ſubdued all his Enemies, even all that oppoſeth the perfecting of his work of the Salvation and Glory of his Church.
14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are ſanctified.
14. For all the faithful and ſanctified are by that one offering, as a ſufficient Expiatory Sacrifice, freed from all guilt and ſin now initially, and ſhall be perfectly without any other Expiatory Sacrifice, for ever.
15, 16, 17. Whereof the holy Ghoſt alſo is a witneſs to us: for after that he had ſaid before, This is 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: And their ſins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18. Now, where remiſſion of theſe is, there is no more offering for ſin.
15, 16, 17, 18. Note here 1. That when the price is given and taken, and a free Act of Oblivion made on the bare condition of thankful acceptance, the crime is ſaid to be pardoned in the common cuſtom of ſpeech, it being done as far as belongeth to the Satisfier and the Rector, as ſuch, though yet the Reſuſers be all actually unpardoned: For a Conditional Gift puts nothing in act, till the Condition be performed. 2. That here in the Promiſe, Pardon is not in time before Renovation, and ſo not actually of any Infidels, or unconverted, though elect thereto. 3. That even the pardon of the ſanctified is but ſuch as excludeth any more Sacrifice, but not any more Faith, Repentance, Watching, Praying, &c.
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 vail that is to ſay, his fleſh: 21. And having an high prieſt over the houſe of God:
19, 20, 21. And now I come to the Uſe of all that I have ſaid in all the foregoing Doctrine: We are not now deterred from acceſs to God by unexpiated guilt, but may come to him as a Father, with comfortable, reverent boldneſs and hope as reconciled by Chriſt; even in confidence of the merit of his Righteouſneſs and Sacrifice, which is as a new and ſtill effectual living way, through the veil of his fleſh conſecrated for us: And we have now in the Heavens a Glorified High Prieſt, who is Head over all things to his Church, which is the Houſe of God, and ever liveth to do all for us in Heaven, which belongeth to a perfected High Prieſt.
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.
22. Let us therefore draw near to God in holy Worſhip, and heavenly Deſires and Aſpirings, with a heart that is ſound, ſincere and true to Chriſt, and our convictions, and abounding with full belief and truſt in Chriſt, for all that he hath promiſed, having our hearts cleanſed by Chriſt's Blood (which the ſprinkling figured under the Law) from the conſcience of guilt, and the love and power of ſin, and our bodily practice purified from uncleanneſs, (typified by the waſhings under the Law, and federally ſignified by our Baptiſm,)
23. Let us hold faſt the profeſſion of our faith without wavering: (for he is faithful that promiſed.)
23. Let us againſt all ſubtle, deceitful Adverſaries, and againſt all cruel Perſecutors, under all tryals and ſufferings, hold faſt both our Hope and Faith, and the open profeſſion of it; For he is faithful who hath promiſed us the endleſs felicity, which will pay for all, and exceed all our expectations.
24. And let us conſider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works.
24. Let none of us live meerly to our ſelves, but ſet our ſelves with ſtudious diligence to promote the Sanctity and Salvation of each other, which is not done by vain janglings and faction, but by provoking one another to love, and to good works, and each to be a common bleſſing in his place, by profiting others.
25. Not forſaking the aſſembling of our ſelves together, as the manner of ſome is: but exhorting one another, and ſo much the more, as ye ſee the day approaching.
25. Not forſaking either the more full Church-Aſſemblies, or any Chriſtian Converſe and Communion, by which ye may excite and edifie one another; as ſome do out of cowardly fear of ſuffering, and ſome through ſelfiſhneſs, and want of brotherly love, and through coldneſs in Religion. And the more reſolved ſhould you be in this, becauſe the time of ſuffering is ſhort, and the day of your deliverance draws on, and cannot be far off.
Note; Qu. 1. What if the Rulers forbid Church-Aſſemblies, or at leaſt inferiour edifying Converſe? Anſ. So they did for three hundred years, when yet Chriſtians uſed it by command from Chriſt. And Chriſtian Princes (as is ſaid heretofore) muſt do more good, but are not authorized to do more miſchief, and forbid good, than Heathens. But yet, though we may not ſtatedly forbear the duties of Piety and Charity, (no more than Daniel did praying, or the old Chriſtians preaching and meeting) when we can perform them; 1. We may forbear this or that particular meeting or action, when it would do more hurt than good, 2. And when impriſonment or baniſhment make it impoſſible, it can be no duty.
Qu. 2. Who be they that muſt exhort one another? Anſ. Not every one that hath a proud ſelf-conceit, or maſterly talkative diſeaſe, may needleſly gather Aſſemblies to eaſe his ſtomach, on pretence of duty: But the truly qualified and called Paſtors muſt exhort in Church-Aſſemblies, by Office, and occaſionally ſuch other well qualified men; as he ſhall there call forth or allow: And in inferiour occaſional Converſe or Meetings, ſuch qualified perſons as have beſt ability and opportunities to do good. Even as Overſeers by Office relieve the poor, but every man that can, muſt do it in charity. And as the Phyſician by calling muſt heal the ſick and wounded; but any in charity may offer ſuch help as others need, and he is able, not uſurping the Function of the Phyſician.
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.
26, 27. And the dreadful caſe of Apoſtates muſt deter you: For if you wilfully forſake Chriſt, and Chriſtianity, after you have received the knowledge of the truth of it, by the Spirit, & all thoſe miraculous Evidences by which it hath prevailed hitherto, you muſt never look for another Saviour, nor that Chriſt ſhould come again to be ſacrificed for you: Reject him now, and nothing remaineth but a dreadful expectation of his Vindictive Judgment, when his Enemies that refuſed his Reign, ſhall be brought forth to deſtruction, Luke 19.27.
Note; Of this ſee before on chap. 6. what this ſin is.
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?
28, 29. Capital, preſumptuous ſins, and contempt, were puniſhed by death by Moſes Law. And as Chriſt bringeth greater mercy, the contempt of him deſerveth far greater puniſhment, when men by renouncing Chriſtianity, tread under foot the Son of God, by calling him a crucified Deceiver, and count the Blood of the Covenant (which was ſhed to ſanctifie them, and reconcile them to God,) which they profeſſing to believe, were joyned with the Saints, to be the blood of a juſtly crucified Malefactor, and a prophane thing, and thus do deſpight alſo to the Spirit of Grace, which is Chriſt's Witneſs on Earth, and by the Teſtimony of whoſe miraculous and ſanctifying Gifts, they once profeſſed to believe in Chriſt, and receive his Doctrine; and now they will reproach theſe Gifts and Teſtimonies of the Spirit, as deluſions, and not of the Spirit of God.
Note, The falſeneſs of their Doctrine, who ſay, that the Goſpel is a bare abſolute Promiſe, and no Law, and hath no proper threatning of penalty.
30. For we know him that hath ſaid, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompenſe, ſaith the Lord: and again, The Lord ſhall judge his people. 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
30, 31. Note; Grace puts us not out of fear of danger. 2. None ſo dreadful as a Vindictive God. And 3. Apoſtates, who reject Chriſt and his Salvation, fall into the hands of God's terrible Juſtice.
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 gazing ſtock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly whilſt ye became companions of them that were ſo uſed.
32, 33. But remember what you have formerly ſuffered for Chriſt: Will you loſe all that? Or cannot God ſtrengthen you now, when you ſhould be grown ſtronger? Remember how you endured to be made the common ſpectacle and ſcorn of men, by your own ſufferings (for ſufferers are uſually diſdained by the baſer multitude) and alſo by being the companions of thoſe that ſuffered, and openly owning them, and bore part of their afflictions.
34. For ye had compaſſion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the ſpoiling of your goods, knowing in your ſelves that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring ſubſtance.
34. For I for one, muſt bear you witneſs, that in my bonds, you did partake in my ſufferings, by compaſſion; and alſo you took not only patiently, but joyfully, the loſs and ſpoiling of your goods and bodily maintenance, by the plunder and diſtreining of Perſecutors: And what made you do this, but that you firmly believed, yea knew, by the witneſs in your ſelves, atteſting the Promiſes of Chriſt, that you have (as to right) in Heaven a Treaſure incomparably better than that which you loſe, and ſuch as is endleſs, and none can rob you of.
35. Caſt not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
35. Do not then for nothing at laſt, caſt away the open, bold owning of your Faith and Hope (and with it all your Hope, Labour and Sufferings) for the recompence of reward is great.
36. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promiſe.
36. For it is not enough to begin well: It's like God will yet try you with ſharper Perſecutions; ſo that you have need, not only of Converſion, but of Patience, to hold out, and overcome Temptations, that having done the Will of God, in all your Tryals, and fully manifeſted your Sincerity by your Conſtancy, you might receive the promiſed Reward.
37. For yet a little while, and he that ſhall come, will come, and will not tarry.
37. For (though to unbelief and impatience it ſeem long,) it is but a very little time, till Chriſt will come to end your fears and ſufferings, and fulfil your hopes: And he will not delay or tarry at all, beyond the due approaching time.
38. Now the juſt ſhall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my ſoul ſhall have no pleaſure in him.
38. It is by the firm belief of the Promiſe of Glory (purchaſed by Chriſt) that the Juſt do overcome Temptations, hold on in duty and comfortable hope, and are finally ſaved: But if any man forſake this Faith, and its profeſſion, either through fraud, flattery or fear of men, God will forſake him, and have no pleaſure in him.
Note; Dr. Hammond applyeth it to [forſaking Publick Worſhip] as the Gnoſticks did; which indeed backſliders uſe to do when ſuch aſſembling is perſecuted: And his note ſhould warn them to take heed of ſuch forſaking Publick Worſhip, who live where men are tolerated to be Atheiſts, and not to worſhip God at all, but not to be Chriſtians and to aſſemble for God's Worſhip, unleſs they will be ſtigmatized with the profeſſion or practice of ſome impoſed wickedneſs; though this Atheiſm and Perſecution pretend Chriſtian Order.
39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition: but of them that believe, to the ſaving of the Soul.
39. But I hope you will approve your ſelves faithful Chriſtians, and not of the looſe unſtedfaſt ſort, who by Sophiſtry or Perſecution are drawn to revolt, and turn back to their own deſtruction; but of them who believe with ſincerity, firmneſs and conſtancy, to the ſaving of their Souls.