Verses 8-10
God took no delight in sacrifices as such if they were not the product of a proper attitude. He took away the first Mosaic Covenant and its sacrifices to establish the second New Covenant. Psalms 40 announced the abolition of the old sacrificial system. This was God’s will, and it satisfied Him. The writer’s view of sanctification here, as elsewhere in this epistle, is positional rather than progressive. God sets aside all believers to Himself at conversion. That is what is in view here.
"Indeed it can be said that sanctification in Hebrews is almost equivalent to justification in Romans, both referring to our position, not to our condition. But there is this vital difference of standpoint: that justification deals with position in relation to God as Judge, while sanctification deals with position in relation to our fellowship with God and our approach to Him in fellowship." [Note: Thomas, p. 125. Cf. Hodges, "Hebrews," p. 804.]
". . . we must be on our guard lest we read this epistle with Pauline terminology in mind." [Note: Morris, p. 99.]
Be the first to react on this!
