Hebrews 13:11-15

 

Heb 13:11 (KJB)

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

 

In verse 9, we read about the subject of meat under the Mosaic law. In our present verse it is speaking about the Day of Atonement, when the bodies of the animals were slain, the bodies were take outside the camp and burned but it is the blood which is brought into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled on the Mercy Seat on the Ark. This reveals that it is the blood that makes atonement and not flesh. (Lev 16:27 KJV) And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

 

Heb 13:12 (KJB)

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

 

Sanctify - Consecrate, to make holy, or to set apart

Without - Outside

 

(Exo 29:14 KJV) But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering. Just as the animals were burned outside the camp as part of the sin sacrifice, the Lord Jesus Christ was also crucified outside the city walls of Jerusalem, setting up another tremendous parallel. It was also the shedding of the blood of Jesus which cleansed the believers of their sins.

 

Heb 13:13 (KJB)

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

 

Bearing - Carrying or bring forward

Reproach - Disgrace, reviling, or insult

 

The principle being taught in this verse to the Hebrew Christians is that if they go outside the camp, they will be declaring that they are Christians and with that testimony, will bring reviling or insults from those who still practice the Mosaic law. What is in view here is that if the Hebrew Christians spiritually go outside the camp, that is, reject the Mosaic law, they can no longer worship at the Tabernacle or Temple which was the center of Jewish worship under the law. It is either you reject Christ and continue to worship under the Mosaic law or you reject the Mosaic law and worship Christ under grace. Those who became saved, spiritually left the camp to bear the cross which Christ gives each Christian.

 

Heb 13:14 (KJB)

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

 

Continuing - Permanent, lasting, or abiding

Seek - Wish for, desire, or search for

 

Just as the Patriarchs sought a city to come, which is the heavenly Jerusalem, all the believers live on the promise of the same hope. We too seek a city to come which will be our eternal home which is of a righteous nature and will have no sin at all. The believers are willing to bear the shame of Christ because this is not our permanent home. While we are on earth, we are just ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. (2 Cor 5:20 KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Ambassadors are sent to a foreign country representing their home country. The believer does the same thing, even though we have never seen our home country, which is Heaven, we are representing it by bringing the message of Christ to this present world. When our term of ambassadorship is over, we will be taken home to glory.

 

Heb 13:15 (KJB)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

 

By - Through, for the sake of, or because of

Continually - Always (emphasizes a period of time from start to finish)

 

Under the old covenant, the Israelites bought animals to the tabernacle or temple to sacrifice unto the Lord and if you remember, only once a year was God approached on the Great Day of Atonement. When Christ went to the cross and died, the veil in the temple was torn in two pieces from top to bottom. This means that access to God was now allowed at any time. Under the new Covenant, we no longer bring sacrifices of animals. Since all believers are priests, we now bring the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving unto God. (1 Pet 2:5 KJV) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Since the sacrifice of Christ was final, no more sacrifice for sin is necessary or accepted by God. Those who believe that a future temple will be built in Israel and that animal sacrifices will once again occur, are really stating that they do not believe the Lord Jesus Christ has come. It is a shame when prophecy crazed Christians also espouse this joy of the return of animal sacrifices. As believers we are to continually praise the Lord and give thanks to Him for what He has done for us. The fruit of our lips must be praise and not complaints.

Back