And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts,and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

Hebrews 10:1-18

And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts,and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Hebrews 10:15-17

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 10:1-18  - the author of Hebrews keeps building on this theme of Jesus is better as He does what the animal sacrifices could not do with the first covenant - He offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is better than the Old Testament as it pointed to Christ - the text today shares how Jesus quoted Psalm 40:6 where he says that His desire is not for animal sacrifice but for our hearts to love Him.  Vv12-13 Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, waiting for end times to finally defeat His enemies, including Satan.  Just as He does in Hebrews 8, Jesus quotes Jeremiah 31 and shares in vv15-17 that the "Holy Spirit also bears witness to [believers]" by first putting His Word in their hearts and writing on their minds.  Thus, the Holy Spirit serves to intercede and testify for us to God the Father to justify us and render us guiltless - able to be saved - how incredible!       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv1-4, 8-9 demonstrate that the Old Testament sacrifices could not do what Jesus accomplished - to permanently offer forgiveness of sin. This reinforces a key part of the New Covenant through - that there is nothing any one of us can do to earn our salvation as Jesus has already done this.  We must therefore confess and surrender our lives to Him to be saved. V10,14 share how Christ not only saves us but He sanctifies us. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid thinking there is anything you can do to earn salvation.  Claim the promise of how the Holy Spirit testifies on our behalf and lives in our hearts and minds through the Word.  Confess with your tongue that Jesus is Lord and be saved! 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and testifies on our behalf and justifies us in Your eyes!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You testify on my behalf and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.