One for All, Once for All, Free for All (Hebrews 10:1–18)

To shrink back from Christianity (2:1–4; 3:12–13; 6:1–20) is to shrink back from Christ, the Son of God who, though greater than the angels (1:5–14), was made “for a little while lower than the angels” (2:9). He condescended himself to identify with humanity, be tortured by humanity, and die for humanity (2:10–18). And, because the Son was willing to suffer in this way, the Father designated him as a permanent high priest, one eclipsing and replacing all predecessors (5:1–11; 7:1–28). As a greater priest, he presented to God a greater sacrifice (7:27; 8:3) which inaugurated a greater covenant (8:3–13) mediated from a greater tabernacle (8:1–2; 9:11–28). Greater, greater, greater, Jesus is greater. And as we come to chapter 10, the author reaches a theological crescendo in his presentation of how Jesus perfectly and eternally met humanity’s greatest needs: access to God, forgiveness from God, cleansing by God, and fellowship with God.