What is the first which He took away?
Answer
"Above when He said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin Thou would not,
neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law." Verse 8.
NOTES - "He takes away the first." The connection plainly indicates that what Christ took away
was ceremonialism as expressed in the typical service of sacrifices and offerings, and that what He
established, by giving Himself to do the will of God, was the experience of doing the will of God on the
part of the believer. Thus He made possible the answer to the petition which He taught His disciples, "Thy
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Instead of abolishing the moral law, Christ made such provision
that every believer in Him may become a doer of that law.
"The word first here refers to sacrifices and offerings. He takes them away.' that is, He shows that
they are of no value in removing sin. He states their inefficacy, and declares His purpose to abolish them.
'That He may establish the second to wit, the doing of the will of God. . . . If they had been efficacious,
there would have been no need of His coming to make an atonement."--Dr. Albert Barnes, on Heb. 10:9.
How fully are we thus united with Christ in His experience of death and resurrection?
What was the result of Christ's working miracles at His first passover?
What duty does God require of children?
What would obedience to God's commandments have ensured to ancient Israel?
4. Although Lord, Maker, and an observer of the Sabbath, how was He watched and spied upon by the scribes and Pharisees on this day?
How ancient is this doctrine of Christ's coming?
In whom are we complete?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle