Hebrews 10:20 - by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
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What does "Hebrews 10:20" mean?
This verse from Hebrews 10:20 is a crucial piece in understanding the author's argument about the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrificial system. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"by the way which he dedicated for us..." This refers to the means by which we can now access God. It's a new path, established specifically for us (believers). The word "dedicated" suggests a sanctified, consecrated, or newly opened pathway.
"...a new and living way..." This contrasts with the old covenant system, which was seen as temporary and ultimately unable to fully cleanse sin or bring people into God's presence. This new way is living because it is through the resurrected Christ, who overcame death, and imparts life to those who believe. It's not just a set of rules, but a relationship with a living Savior.
"...through the veil..." In the Old Testament temple, the veil separated the Holy of Holies (where God's presence was believed to dwell) from the rest of the temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, with a blood sacrifice. This veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin.
"...that is to say, his flesh..." This is the key to understanding the metaphor. The author is equating Christ's flesh (His physical body, specifically His death on the cross) with the veil. When Christ died, the veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolically signifying that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed.
In Summary
Hebrews 10:20 is saying that Jesus, through His death (represented by His flesh being "torn" like the veil), has opened up a new and living way for us to access God. This new way is a direct relationship with God, not mediated by a temple, priests, or repeated animal sacrifices. Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that removed the barrier of sin and allows us to enter into God's presence with confidence.
Key Implications:
Access to God: We no longer need an intermediary. We can approach God directly through Christ.
New Covenant: This verse highlights the superiority of the New Covenant established by Jesus over the Old Covenant.
Christ's Sacrifice: It emphasizes the crucial role of Jesus' death as the means of atonement and reconciliation.
Living Relationship: It highlights that Christianity is not just a set of rules but a dynamic, living relationship with God through Christ.
In essence, this verse offers a powerful message of hope and access to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It assures believers that they can draw near to God confidently, knowing that the way has been made open and available through Christ's death and resurrection.
Hebrews 10:20 - by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
What does "Hebrews 10:20" mean?
This verse from Hebrews 10:20 is a crucial piece in understanding the author's argument about the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrificial system. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"by the way which he dedicated for us..." This refers to the means by which we can now access God. It's a new path, established specifically for us (believers). The word "dedicated" suggests a sanctified, consecrated, or newly opened pathway.
"...a new and living way..." This contrasts with the old covenant system, which was seen as temporary and ultimately unable to fully cleanse sin or bring people into God's presence. This new way is living because it is through the resurrected Christ, who overcame death, and imparts life to those who believe. It's not just a set of rules, but a relationship with a living Savior.
"...through the veil..." In the Old Testament temple, the veil separated the Holy of Holies (where God's presence was believed to dwell) from the rest of the temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, with a blood sacrifice. This veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin.
"...that is to say, his flesh..." This is the key to understanding the metaphor. The author is equating Christ's flesh (His physical body, specifically His death on the cross) with the veil. When Christ died, the veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolically signifying that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed.
In Summary
Hebrews 10:20 is saying that Jesus, through His death (represented by His flesh being "torn" like the veil), has opened up a new and living way for us to access God. This new way is a direct relationship with God, not mediated by a temple, priests, or repeated animal sacrifices. Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that removed the barrier of sin and allows us to enter into God's presence with confidence.
Key Implications:
Access to God: We no longer need an intermediary. We can approach God directly through Christ.
New Covenant: This verse highlights the superiority of the New Covenant established by Jesus over the Old Covenant.
Christ's Sacrifice: It emphasizes the crucial role of Jesus' death as the means of atonement and reconciliation.
Living Relationship: It highlights that Christianity is not just a set of rules but a dynamic, living relationship with God through Christ.
In essence, this verse offers a powerful message of hope and access to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It assures believers that they can draw near to God confidently, knowing that the way has been made open and available through Christ's death and resurrection.