Hebrews 10:4

"But in those sacrifices there is a yearly reminder of sins."

Key Reflection

These verses indicate that annual sacrificial offerings served as a recurring acknowledgment and reminder of sin, highlighting their inability to provide lasting forgiveness or address the core issue of guilt and separation from God. Thus, they pointed towards the need for a more effective sacrifice—one that could fully atone for sins once and for all.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. The reference here is to the sacrifices which were made on the great day of the atonement, for on that day the blood of bulls and of goats alone was offered. See Barnes "Heb 9:7". Paul here means to say, doubtless, that it was not possible that the blood of those animals should make a complete expiation so as to purify the conscience, and so as to save the sinner from deserved wrath. According to the Divine arrangement, expiation was made by those sacrifices for offences of various kinds against the ritual law of Moses, and pardon for such offences was thus obtained.

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