The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 408

Lcvitical distinctions between clean and unclean "meats," and perhaps also to the traditional customs on the same subject, which had been elevated to equl\l authority with those. Tbe apostle reminds his readers that all such precepts are only " oarnal ordinances," which the coming of Jesus Christ has rendered no longer necessary and the observance of which can now have no influence upon a man's spiritual life'. Christ has "made all meats clean" (Mark vii. 19). The principle and power of his religion consists in "grace," and not in fanciful distinctions connected with food. "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking" (Rom. xiv. 17). No conscious- ness of external observances ca.n ever "profit" a man spiritually. Only the "grace" of God, given by his Spirit, ca.n regenerate and ennoble the human soul. We must therefore forsake the materialistic " teachings" of Judaism for the spiritual doctrines of Christianity. II. As REGARDS OUR srn OFFERING. (Vers. 10-13.) Our "Altar" is Christ (ver. 10), and he is also our Sacrifice "for sin" (ver. 12). He is at once High Priest Altar, and Victim. Under the Levitical law, while the priests were allowed t~ p:irtako of many of the sacrifices, there were certain sin offerings of which they were expressly forbid.Jen to cnt (Lev. vi. 30). Those, e.g. which were presented on the ;::reat annual Day of Atonement were wholly consumed by fire "without the camp." This ordinance typified the fact that Christ, the trne Sin Offering, was to suffer for us "without the gate" of Jerusalem; and that, if we would participate in the atonement which he has made, we must voluntarily renounce the Jewish Church from which he was expelled. The law of the tabernacle forbade those who remained in connection with the camp of Judaism to eat of ihe flesh of any sin offering the blood of which had been presented within the tabernacle; but every one who worships before the true altar which has been set up on Calvary is encouraged freely to partake of the flesh of Christ, which he has "given for the life of the world." To cleave to the Law, therefore, is to reject the gospel. If we would cat of the real sin offering which has been provided under tbe new covenant-i.e. obtain the blessings of pardon and peace, of access and sanctification, which the atonement of Jesus has purchased -we must "go forth unto him without the camp." III. .As REGARDS OUR THANK OFFERINGS.. (Vera. 15, 16.) These are not to be presented any longer through the medium of the .Aaronical priesthood and of the Levitical oblations. Christ's people are to offer them "through him" as Mediator, and depending for their acceptance upon his atonement and intercession. So soon as we partake of the New Testament sin offering, we are ourselves constituted "a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. iL 5). The great substantive thank offering which the believer presents is himself (Rom. xii. 1; 2 Cor. viii. 5). But the man who has given himself to the Lord will also offer: 1. Word.s of praise. (Ver. 15.) The most direct means by which we can honour God is publicly to "make confession to his Name" in words of faith and songs of adoration. When the spirit of praise takes root within the soil of the heart, it will spread its buds and blossoms over all the soul, and adorn the "lips" with its "fruit." 2. Works of piety. (Ver. 16.) These are spiritual sacrifices also. Christianity is eminently a practical religion, and regards every deed of charity done for Jesus' sake as a sweet and holy psalm. 'l'he truly grateful heart is always generous, and "williug to communicate'' for the relief of brethren who are in need. And " God is well pleased" with every act of beneficenc<l done out of gratitude for his grace. He accepts such as a "sacrifice" offered to himself. IV. As BEGA.RDS OUR SPIRITUAL CITIZENSHIP. (Ver. 14.) Very soon, now, Jerusalem and its temple were to be ral!.ed to their foundations; and the entire Jewish polity, both civil nnd ecclesiastical, thus to be brought to a perpetual end. But that event would entail but small loss upon the Christian Hebrews, if only they remained steadf~t in the faith. For, in embracing the gospel, they had transferred their affections from the earthly Jerusalem to the heavenly. Not only so, but all believers-Jew end Gentile alike-must "go forth unto Jesus without the camp," in the sense of living a life of separation from the prevailing spirit of the world. The believer is to cultivate habits of reserve in reference to earthly pursuits and interests. His "citizenship is in l,<,,aven" (Phil. iii. 20). He looks beyond even the kingdom of grace to tliat of glory. OH, XIII, 1-25.] 'fflE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 403