A Shadow of Good Things to Come Hebrews 10:1

The writer of Hebrews declared that Jesus was “once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation”, and in chapter ten and verse one of Hebrews the writer shared how “the law” concerning “sacrifices” was “a shadow of good things to come” where we read:

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 comers thereunto perfect..

The verse begins, “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, ...”. The writer began with the words, “For the law” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then and therefore the rule producing a state approved of God” “having” which means “holding, possessing and owning” “a shadow” or “an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object” “of good things” which refers to “that which is of good constitution, useful, salutary, pleasant and agreeable” “to come” which means “to be about, on point of doing, intended, have in mind and think to”, “and not the very image” or “negative to the same figure and likeness” “of the things” which refers to “that which has been done, accomplished or exists as a fact, matter of law, case or suit”. “The law” concerning the “sacrifices” performed by the priests were only “shadows” which represented the actual “figures” which were in the heavenly tabernacle.

The verse goes on to say, “...can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”. The writer continued with the words, “can never” or “neither have the power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources or state of mind, permission of law or custom” “with those sacrifices” which means “the gifts and offerings presented by the earthly priests” “which they offered” or “that the priests brought, lead and presented” “year by year” which means “year after year after year” “continually” or “perpetually” “make” which means “complete, carry through completely, accomplish, finish and bring to an end” “the comers thereunto” or “those who drew near, approached and assented” “perfect” or “complete, carried through completely, accomplished, finished and brought to an end”. The earthly “sacrifices” presented by the priests were unable to “completely finish” the people for whom they were “offered” even though the priests brought them before God every year.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we see how the “earthly offerings” were insufficient to cleanse people completely from their sins. Though the priests were faithful to “offer” them “year after year”, they could not make a person “perfect” before God. Jesus, however, “offered” Himself as the “perfect sacrifice” for our sins, and thereby obtained our “righteousness” and “perfection” before God. When we believe in Jesus' “sacrifice”, God no longer sees our “unrighteousness” and imperfections, and those who are wise will allow Jesus to appropriate “His perfect and complete offering” rather than any “presentation” that may be brought to God by men.

Next time the writer asks concerning the sacrifices, “For then would they not have ceased to be offered?” So read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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