In Hebrews 10, is the “them” in verse 16 the same “them” of verse 14, and the same “their” of verse 17? Thank you, In Christ, Rea Buttermore
The verses involved in the inquiry are:
“or by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:14-17).
The short answer to your inquiry is yes! The Book of Hebrews is a running contrast between Judaism and Christianity. Its purpose was to re-establish Jewish Christians whose faith in the Gospel system was wavering. Many Jewish Christians in the first century were tempted to dispense with Christianity and return to a strict allegiance to Judaism. The mention of a “covenant” in this passage contrasts the New Covenant, which was the subject of Old Testament prophecy, but had been implemented in the first century with the Old Covenant or Testament. The “them” of verse 14 who were “sanctified” or saved persons when Hebrews was written were the objects of salvation contained in the Old Testament prophecy cited (Jeremiah 31:33-34) and designated in the prophecy as “them” in verse 16 and as “their” in verse 17.
The word “perfected” in verse 14 means “completed” or “fulfilled”; see Strong’s Greek dictionary or similar reference works. Jesus Christ completed or fulfilled his part regarding the redemption of humanity, inclusive of bringing about the New Covenant of which Jeremiah spoke and which is quoted here. There are some fundamental differences between Judaism and Christianity, including being physically born into a covenant relationship with God under Judaism, after which being taught the precepts of Judaism when old enough, versus under Christianity not experiencing a covenant relationship prior to instruction in Christianity. A chief difference between Judaism and Christianity is that Judaism did not offer actual forgiveness of sins (only prospectively based on the then future sacrifice of the Christ), whereas Christianity did provide for the forgiveness of sins. Yet, that redemption made possible by Jesus Christ is conditional, contingent on obedience (Hebrews 5:9) before the grace (Ephesians 2:8) and mercy (Titus 3:5) of God are activated on our behalf. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9).
