Shadow and Form

As we arrive at chapter 10 of Hebrews, in the first 18 verses we will conclude the central theological argument of the book. Beginning in chapter 5, the superior high priesthood of Jesus Christ has occupied our attention in our Hebrews studies since the beginning of the year! In the first 18 verses of chapter 10, we find a recapitulation of the themes introduced in the previous 5 chapters. In Hebrews 10:1-18, the contrasts between the Levitical offerings and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice which stood out in chapter 9 are reiterated and intensified – the shadow/reality contrast in 10:1-4; sacrifice/obedience in 10:5-10; the finality of the priesthood in 10:11-14, and the finality of Christ's sacrifice in 10:15-18. As we examine Hebrews 10:1-4 this week, we will look at what the author describes as the shadow of the law and its true form or reality. We will find that the inadequacy of the Old Testament sacrifices exposed a fundamental weakness in the law, as the blood of animals was not only unable to remove sin (v. 4) but in fact, it provided a yearly reminder of sin (v. 3).