Hebrews 10:9

“Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

Context:To understand the meaning of Hebrews 10:9, it’s important to consider its context. The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish believers who were facing persecution and struggling with the temptation to return to the old system of Judaism. The author of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest and the mediator of a new and better covenant.

“Lo, I come to do thy will, O God”:In this verse, the author is quoting from Psalm 40:7-8, where the psalmist expresses his obedience and willingness to do God’s will. In the context of Hebrews, this quotation is applied to Jesus Christ, who willingly came into the world to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.

Taking away the first and establishing the second:The phrase “He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second” refers to the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. The first covenant, established through the law of Moses, with its system of sacrifices and rituals, was temporary and imperfect. The second covenant, established through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, is superior, permanent, and provides complete forgiveness of sins.

Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s will:Hebrews 10:9 highlights the obedient and willing nature of Jesus Christ to fulfill God’s will. Jesus came to earth to accomplish what the law and the sacrifices of the old covenant could not achieve – the redemption and reconciliation of humanity with God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the law and established a new and better covenant between God and humanity.

Application:Hebrews 10:9 teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us of Jesus’ perfect obedience to God’s will. As followers of Christ, we should strive to align our will with God’s and seek to do His will in our lives. Second, it emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus. Through faith in Him, we can experience forgiveness, salvation, and a personal relationship with God. Lastly, it encourages us to move away from relying on external religious rituals and traditions for salvation and instead place our trust in Jesus Christ alone.

• In conclusion, Hebrews 10:9 highlights the obedience of Jesus Christ to God’s will and the establishment of the new covenant through His sacrifice. It calls us to align our will with God’s and place our faith in Jesus as the only means of salvation.