Hebrews 10

The law a shadow of good things to come

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. Hebrews 10:1–4

The text calls the law's sacrifices a shadow: they reminded Israel of sin every year but could not remove it. They pointed ahead to Christ's real sacrifice.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Mosiah 13:30-31 — The law of performances was types of things to come.
• the same event in Alma 34:14 — The whole meaning of the law pointing to that great and last sacrifice.

A body hast thou prepared me

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: Hebrews 10:5–9

Hebrews reads Psalm 40 as Christ's own words as He comes into the world: the Father prepared Him a body, and He came to do the Father's will, as the scriptures had written of Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 40:6-8 — Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me.
• the same event in John 6:38 — I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will.
• the same event in Moses 4:2 — My Beloved Son said, Father, thy will be done.

Offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

Because Jesus Christ did the Father's will and offered His body once, we can be made holy.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Luke 22:19 — This is my body which is given for you.

One sacrifice, then seated at God's right hand

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:12–14

Priests stood daily because their work was never finished; Jesus sat down at God's right hand because His one sacrifice was complete, and He waits for every enemy to be subdued.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Psalm 110:1 — Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
• the same event in 1 Corinthians 15:25 — He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

The Holy Ghost witnesses the new covenant

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, Hebrews 10:15–17

The Holy Ghost bears witness through Jehovah's promise in Jeremiah that sins will be remembered no more, which is fulfilled through Christ's one offering.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Jeremiah 31:33-34 — The new covenant written on the heart.
• the same event in D&C 58:42 — I, the Lord, remember them no more.

The veil, that is to say, His flesh

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19–20

The text says the temple veil stood for Jesus's flesh. When His body was torn in death, the veil tore, and the way into God's presence opened for us.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interprets Matthew 27:51 — The veil of the temple was rent at His death.
• alludes to Exodus 26:31-33 — The veil dividing the holy place from the most holy.
• the same title in John 14:6 — I am the way.

High Priest over the house of God

And having an high priest over the house of God; Hebrews 10:21

Jesus is the High Priest over God's household, so we can draw near with confidence.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Hebrews 3:6 — Christ as a son over his own house.

Trodden under foot the Son of God

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? Hebrews 10:29

Someone who knowingly rejects Christ after being cleansed by His blood treats the Son of God with contempt, which is far worse than breaking Moses' law.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Hebrews 6:6 — Crucify the Son of God afresh.

The LORD shall judge His people

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. Hebrews 10:30

These words come from the Song of Moses, where Jehovah speaks. Jesus taught that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Deuteronomy 32:35-36 — To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; the LORD shall judge his people.

He that shall come

He that shall come — a messianic title for the Coming One

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

Using Habakkuk's words, Hebrews promises that the Coming One, Christ, will return and will not be delayed.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Habakkuk 2:3 — It will surely come, it will not tarry.
• the same title in Matthew 11:3 — Art thou he that should come?