The True Sacrifice: Hebrews 10:1-4
“1) For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. 2) Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3) But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4) For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Hebrews‬ ‭10:1-4‬ ‭
The Old Testament system was powerless to change the human heart. Instead of taking away sin, it was a continual reminder of sin and guilt. There were three basic problems.
First, the Law was only a shadow of what was to come in Christ. It pointed toward the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world, but it was far short of the real substitutionary sacrifice needed to take away sin.
Second, instead of cleansing the human conscience from sin, it was a constant reminder of sin. Year by year the people were reminded of the guilt of sin and the wall of separation it created between man and the God of glory behind the veil.
Finally, it was impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away human sin. Human sin brings condemnation and guilt on humans, not animals. Only a sinless human could atone for human sin. Finding one becomes a real problem when the whole human race is made up of sinners.
The Old Testament ends with the promise of a coming of Elijah who would prepare the way for the Messiah. (See Malachi 4:5-6) The New Testament opens with John the Baptist presenting the Lamb of God to Israel. (See John 1:29)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global