Hebrews 9:14
Verse
Context
Redemption through His Blood
13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
Sermons
J. Edwin Orr
Major Ian Thomas
David WilkersonJ. Edwin Orr
A.W. Tozer
Gerhard Du Toit
Luis PalauSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who through the eternal Spirit - This expression is understood two ways: 1. Of the Holy Ghost himself. As Christ's miraculous conception was by the Holy Spirit, and he wrought all his miracles by the Spirit of God, so his death or final offering was made through or by the eternal Spirit; and by that Spirit he was raised from the dead, Pe1 3:18. Indeed, through the whole of his life be was justified by the Spirit; and we find that in this great work of human redemption, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were continually employed: therefore the words may be understood of the Holy Spirit properly. 2. Of the eternal Logos or Deity which dwelt in the man Christ Jesus, through the energy of which the offering of his humanity became an infinitely meritorious victim; therefore the Deity of Christ is here intended. But we cannot well consider one of these distinct from the other; and hence probably arose the various readings in the MSS. and versions on this article. Instead of δια Πνευματος αιωνιου, by the Eternal Spirit, δια Πνευματος Ἁγιου, by the Holy Spirit, is the reading of D*, and more than twenty others of good note, besides the Coptic, Slavonic, Vulgate, two copies of the Itala, Cyril, Athanasius sometimes, Damascenus, Chrysostom, and some others. But the common reading is supported by ABD**, and others, besides the Syriac, all the Arabic, Armenian, Ethiopic, Athanasius generally, Theodoret, Theophylact, and Ambrosius. This, therefore, is the reading that should he preferred, as it is probable that the Holy Ghost, not the Logos, is what the apostle had more immediately in view. But still we must say, that the Holy Spirit, with the eternal Logos, and the almighty Father, equally concurred in offering up the sacrifice of the human nature of Christ, in order to make atonement for the sin of the world. Purge your conscience - Καθαριει την συνειδησιν· Purify your conscience. The term purify should be everywhere, both in the translation of the Scriptures, and in preaching the Gospel, preferred to the word purge, which, at present, is scarcely ever used in the sense in which our translators have employed it. Dead works - Sin in general, or acts to which the penalty of death is annexed by the law. See the phrase explained, Heb 6:1 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
offered himself--The voluntary nature of the offering gives it especial efficacy. He "through the eternal Spirit," that is, His divine Spirit (Rom 1:4, in contrast to His "flesh," Heb 9:3; His Godhead, Ti1 3:16; Pe1 3:18), "His inner personality" [ALFORD], which gave a free consent to the act, offered Himself. The animals offered had no spirit or will to consent in the act of sacrifice; they were offered according to the law; they had a life neither enduring, nor of any intrinsic efficacy. But He from eternity, with His divine and everlasting Spirit, concurred with the Father's will of redemption by Him. His offering began on the altar of the cross, and was completed in His entering the holiest place with His blood. The eternity and infinitude of His divine Spirit (compare Heb 7:16) gives eternal ("eternal redemption," Heb 9:12, also compare Heb 9:15) and infinite merit to His offering, so that not even the infinite justice of God has any exception to take against it. It was "through His most burning love, flowing from His eternal Spirit," that He offered Himself [OECOLAMPADIUS]. without spot--The animal victims had to be without outward blemish; Christ on the cross was a victim inwardly and essentially stainless (Pe1 1:19). purge--purify from fear, guilt, alienation from Him, and selfishness, the source of dead works (Heb 9:22-23). your--The oldest manuscripts read "our." The Vulgate, however, supports English Version reading. conscience--moral religious consciousness. dead works--All works done in the natural state, which is a state of sin, are dead; for they come not from living faith in, and love to, "the living God" (Heb 11:6). As contact with a dead body defiled ceremonially (compare the allusion, "ashes of an heifer," Heb 9:13), so dead works defile the inner consciousness spiritually. to serve--so as to serve. The ceremonially unclean could not serve God in the outward communion of His people; so the unrenewed cannot serve God in spiritual communion. Man's works before justification, however lifelike they look, are dead, and cannot therefore be accepted before the living God. To have offered a dead animal to God would have been an insult (compare Mal 1:8); much more for a man not justified by Christ's blood to offer dead works. But those purified by Christ's blood in living faith do serve (Rom 12:1), and shall more fully serve God (Rev 22:3). living God--therefore requiring living spiritual service (Joh 4:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
How much more shall the blood of Christ,.... Which is not the blood of a mere man, but the blood of the Son of God; and the argument is from the lesser to the greater; that if the ashes of the burnt heifer, which was a type of Christ in his sufferings, mixed with water, typically sanctified to the purifying of men externally, in a ceremonial way, then much more virtue must there be in the blood of Christ, to cleanse the soul inwardly: who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God; Christ is a priest, and the sacrifice he has offend up is "himself"; not his divine nature, but his human nature, soul and body, as in union with his divine person; which gives his sacrifice the preference to all others; and is the reason of its virtue and efficacy, and is expressive of his great love to man: and this sacrifice was offered up "to God", against whom his people had sinned, and whose justice must be satisfied, and which is of a sweet smelling savour to him; besides, he called him to this work, and engaged him in it, and is well pleased with this offering, as he must needs be, since it is offered up "without spot"; which expresses the purity of Christ's nature and sacrifice, and the perfection of it, which is such, that no fault can be found in it by the justice of God; and hence, the saints, for whom it is offered, are unblamable and irreprovable, There is an allusion in the clause, both to the priests and to their sacrifices, which were neither of them to have any spot or blemish on them; and this unblemished sacrifice was offered unto God by Christ, through the eternal Spirit; not the human soul of Christ; for though that is a spirit, yet not eternal, and besides, was a part of the sacrifice; but rather the divine nature of Christ, which is a spirit, and may be so called in distinction from the flesh, or human nature, as it sometimes is, and this is eternal; it was from everlasting, as well as is to everlasting; and this supported him under all his sufferings, and carried him through them, and put virtue unto them; and Christ was a priest, in the divine, as well as human nature: though by it may be better understood "the Holy Ghost"; and so the Vulgate Latin version reads, and also several copies; since the divine nature rather acts by the human nature, than the human nature by the divine; and Christ is often said to do such and such things by the Holy Spirit; and as the Holy Ghost formed and filled the human nature of Christ, so he assisted and supported it under sufferings. This whole clause is inserted by way of parenthesis, showing the efficacy of Christ's blood, and from whence it is: to purge your conscience from dead works; that is, "from the works of sin", as the Ethiopic version renders it; which are performed by dead men, separate and alienated from the life of God, are the cause of the death of the soul, and expose to eternal death, and are like dead carcasses, nauseous and infectious; and even duties themselves, performed without faith and love, are dead works; nor can they procure life, and being depended on, issue in death; and even the works of believers themselves are sometimes performed in a very lifeless manner, and are attended with sin and pollution, and need purging: the allusion is to the pollution by the touch of dead bodies; and there may be some respect to the sacrifices of slain beasts, after the sacrifice and death of Christ, by believing Jews, who were sticklers for the ceremonies of the law, and thereby contracted guilt; but immoralities are chiefly designed, and with these the conscience of man is defiled; and nothing short of the blood of Christ can remove the pollution of sin; as that being shed procures atonement, and so purges away the guilt of sin, or makes reconciliation for it, so being sprinkled on the conscience by the Spirit of God, it speaks peace and pardon, and pacifies and purges it, and removes every incumbrance from it: the Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and Syriac versions, read, "our conscience". The end and use of such purgation is, "to serve the living God"; so called to distinguish him from the idols of the Gentiles, and in opposition to dead works; and because he has life in himself, essentially and independently, and is the author and giver of life to others; and it is but the reasonable service of his people, to present their souls and bodies as a living sacrifice to him; and who ought to serve him in a lively manner, in faith, and with fervency, and not with a slavish, but a godly filial fear; and one that has his conscience purged by the blood of Christ, and is sensibly impressed with a discovery of pardoning grace, is in the best capacity for such service. The Alexandrian copy reads, "the living and true God".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:14 how much more: This is an argument from lesser to greater, a traditional Jewish rhetorical strategy; the logic is that if something is true in a lesser situation, it will be even more true in a greater situation (see also 2:1-4; 12:25-29). If the blood of animals had some effect in cleansing, the blood of Christ will be much more effective. • will purify our consciences: Christ’s sacrifice, unlike the sacrifices of the old covenant, removes the paralyzing guilt that keeps us from God by decisively cleansing us from sinful deeds.
Hebrews 9:14
Redemption through His Blood
13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(First Baptist Church) #2 - Conscience
By J. Edwin Orr4.8K52:54ConsciencePSA 139:23ISA 1:18HOS 4:14JHN 8:7ROM 2:1ROM 3:23HEB 9:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting and convincing the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He discusses the importance of working on one's conscience and being willing to repent and seek deliverance from sinful practices. The preacher also mentions a conversation about the AIDS epidemic and the need for personal responsibility. He highlights the significance of having a clear conscience and behaving with godly sincerity. The sermon encourages listeners to let their conscience be their guide, but also acknowledges the need for obedience to God's Word.
Salvation by Christ's Life
By Major Ian Thomas4.7K38:22SalvationMAT 6:33JHN 13:3JHN 14:10ROM 12:1HEB 9:14HEB 10:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the nature of Jesus' victory and how it relates to Christian believers. He emphasizes that Jesus' victory was not based on simply avoiding sin, but rather on his complete submission to the purpose for which he was born. Jesus presented himself to the Father through the eternal Spirit, and every action he took was an expression of the Father in him. Through his death on the cross, Jesus became the author of eternal salvation for those who obey him. The speaker also mentions his gratitude for the arrangements made for his visit and expresses his willingness to meet with parents and friends of students at the college.
God's Intention for This Midnight Hour
By David Wilkerson4.4K58:07Work Of GodMAT 6:33MRK 2:9JHN 14:15ROM 8:1EPH 2:6COL 1:18HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker expresses his disappointment with the current state of Christianity in America, noting the prevalence of ego, competition, and materialism. He criticizes the commercialization of the gospel and the focus on raising money for extravagant projects. The speaker warns of impending difficult times and emphasizes the importance of knowing and being in union with Jesus Christ. He concludes by stating that God's intention is for every believer to become a true expression of who Jesus is, so that the world can see Christ in them and be drawn to Him.
Garland, Texas - Conscience
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K52:57PSA 139:23ISA 1:18JHN 16:8ROM 2:15ROM 8:1ROM 14:232CO 1:12TIT 1:15HEB 9:14HEB 10:22
This sermon delves into the historical context of moral decline post-American Revolution, highlighting the societal issues of drunkenness, immorality, and lawlessness. It transitions to the importance of conscience and the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and cleansing through the blood of Christ. The speaker challenges the congregation to be open to God's conviction and willing to address any areas of wrongdoing in their lives to pave the way for personal revival and spiritual growth.
Christendom
By A.W. Tozer3.8K54:17ChristendomMAT 1:21JHN 8:31ACT 2:4HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual descent rather than physical descent. He challenges the audience to reflect on their personal lives and the way they live, urging them to be affected by God's message. The speaker criticizes the reliance on gadgets and material possessions, highlighting the need for a genuine connection with God. He also mentions the marks of identification with the early church, emphasizing the moral elevation and the purpose of Jesus Christ's coming to save sinners.
How to Be Cleansed & Filled With the Spirit
By Gerhard Du Toit3.1K1:27:07Filled With The SpiritLUK 11:13JHN 6:37ROM 6:1HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God. He shares a story about a drummer who fell off a cliff during a march and was left behind by Napoleon's army. The drummer, realizing he would not be rescued, played his own death march. The speaker then discusses the significance of personal accountability and the need for men to meet with others to discuss their relationship with God. He highlights the importance of experiencing God's peace and rest, referencing passages from the book of Hebrews and Romans. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging the audience to seek the freedom and light that comes from God's word.
Walking in Holiness
By Luis Palau2.5K29:38JHN 13:1ROM 12:1HEB 9:14HEB 10:171JN 1:7
Holiness is described as walking in the light with God, maintaining a transparent conscience, and ensuring there is nothing between you and your heavenly Father. The sermon delves into the powerful scene of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, highlighting Peter's initial resistance, the need for humility, and the cleansing power of Jesus' act. It emphasizes the importance of confessing sins, seeking forgiveness, and presenting one's body as a living sacrifice to God for a transformed and obedient lifestyle.
"The Lamb of God" Part 2
By Joshua Daniel2.4K27:18GEN 22:7PSA 119:105ISA 53:7JHN 1:29JHN 14:6ROM 8:37HEB 9:141PE 1:191JN 1:7REV 12:11
This sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God, drawing parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It highlights the power of the blood of the Lamb to overcome evil and the importance of holding onto faith in God's promises even in times of trouble and unbelief. The speaker encourages a deep focus on Jesus, the Lamb of God, who brings deliverance, peace, and love to those who turn to Him.
The Glorious Uncovered King of Israel
By Carter Conlon2.0K56:51Servanthood2SA 6:172SA 6:19JHN 2:17HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the soldiers dividing Jesus' clothing into four parts at the foot of the cross. He emphasizes that Jesus willingly laid down his life and allowed his clothes to be taken, showing his selflessness and provision even in his crucifixion. The speaker highlights the importance of the gospel, which embodies the heart of God and reaches out to fallen humanity. He encourages believers to live for God, even if it means facing reproach from those who despise the government of God. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about the joy of the Lord and the speaker's commitment to living for God.
True vs. False Conversions
By C.J. Cutrone1.9K55:05ConversionPSA 78:34ACT 10:2ROM 6:17ROM 6:22HEB 9:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the repetitive cycle of the Israelites in the Bible. He highlights how the people would turn to God when they needed deliverance, but would quickly forget Him once their needs were met. The preacher emphasizes that God desires to be more than just a deliverer to His people, but their true God. He quotes from Romans 6 to explain that through faith in Jesus, believers are set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness. The preacher passionately urges the audience to examine their relationship with God and ensure that they truly love and serve Him.
Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 5
By A.W. Tozer1.6K22:01PrayerPSA 66:12JHN 10:271CO 1:18PHP 3:131TH 5:6HEB 3:15HEB 9:14In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about society's obsession with fame and the immoral influences it has on people. He prays for God to help individuals and families break free from this moral and intellectual "mud" and rediscover the sacredness of life. The preacher also asks for a revival of faith and spirituality among the people, emphasizing the importance of individual transformation and collective unity. The sermon concludes with a plea for listeners to turn away from worldly temptations and embrace Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Audio Sermon: (1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope
By A.W. Tozer1.6K32:45JHN 1:29ROM 3:25EPH 1:7HEB 9:141PE 1:18
This sermon emphasizes the preciousness of the blood of Jesus Christ as the ultimate redemption for humanity, highlighting the moral release and freedom it provides from the foolish ways of life inherited from tradition and fallen human tendencies. The speaker urges repentance and humility in approaching communion, reflecting on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the eternal impact of His blood.
Revelation 7
By Chuck Smith1.6K1:06:02PSA 56:8ISA 25:8ISA 30:19JHN 4:13ACT 20:28HEB 9:14REV 5:9REV 21:3REV 21:6
This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 7, exploring the judgment of God unfolding through the seals, the significance of the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel, and the worship in heaven. It emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, the cleansing power of the blood of the Lamb, and the promise of God wiping away all tears in the future.
Book of Acts Series - Part 32 | a Life for a Life
By Jim Cymbala1.5K44:25Book Of ActsMAT 6:33ACT 20:20ROM 12:1EPH 2:8HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about a translator who seemed to have his own agenda rather than accurately translating the message. The speaker then describes a song that was sung during the service, which expressed the idea of giving one's life to Jesus because he gave his life for us. The sermon emphasizes the importance of testifying to the gospel of God's grace and love, rather than focusing on judgment. The speaker also highlights the example of the early Christians who were led by the Holy Spirit and experienced tremendous growth despite not having the advantages and resources that modern churches have. The sermon concludes with a call to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him.
The Simple Gospel Message - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:05ROM 3:23ROM 12:2EPH 1:7HEB 9:141JN 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the importance of the mind and conscience in relation to the body, highlighting the significance of purifying the mind and spirit through Christ to lead a transformed life. It addresses the impact of hidden sins on marriages and the need for forgiveness and purification of the conscience before progressing in the Christian journey. The message focuses on the fundamental step of dealing with guilt and sin through Christ's sacrifice to restore the broken connection between humanity and God.
Spiritual Warfare Series - the Winners
By Jim Cymbala1.2K36:34Spiritual WarfareEXO 12:13PSA 23:1MAT 6:33ROM 8:372TI 1:7HEB 9:14REV 12:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being an overcomer and winning in life. He encourages believers to prioritize their identity as Christians above all else, including their jobs and families. The speaker emphasizes the power of sharing personal testimonies about what Christ has done in their lives as a way to spread the kingdom of God. He urges believers to be bold and aggressive in proclaiming the Word of God, even in the face of mockery and opposition. The speaker also highlights the significance of understanding and appropriating the blood of Jesus for forgiveness and freedom from condemnation.
New Covenant- Repentance & Heavenly Kingdom -3
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:51MAT 1:21MAT 6:33HEB 9:141JN 2:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing the blood of Christ and recognizing the price He paid to save us from sin. It highlights the transformation that occurs when we truly understand the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins and the need to repent and turn away from sin. The focus is on seeking holiness and being saved from sin above all else, aligning with the core message of the New Testament.
The Church - Part 7
By Les Wheeldon1.1K1:01:54ChurchMAT 6:33MRK 11:17HEB 9:1HEB 9:11HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the church is not a physical building or human bodies, but a gathering of saints in a place that is not of this creation. The focus is on the ministry of the church, particularly the service of God. The speaker references Mark 11:17, where it is written that God's house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. The sermon also delves into Hebrews chapter 9, highlighting the importance of divine service and the role of believers as servants of God.
Church Live Re-Visited: Session One - Part 3
By Ron Bailey1.0K21:20EXO 24:8MAT 16:18ACT 7:38ROM 10:131CO 1:2EPH 3:14HEB 9:14
This sermon delves into Paul's perception of the Church in 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the concept of sanctification and being called out for a purpose. It explores the idea of Christians calling upon the name of the Lord, receiving God's grace, and functioning together as a church. The universal application of Paul's message to all churches is highlighted, along with the importance of fellowship and understanding the true meaning of 'church'. The sermon also touches on the historical context of the word 'ecclesia' and its significance in the Old Testament and the establishment of the new covenant church through Jesus Christ.
Fren-04 La Viede La Mort (Life From the Dead)
By Art Katz98056:34Eternal LifeGEN 1:2EZK 37:1MAT 6:33ROM 6:52CO 4:16HEB 9:141PE 1:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones. He emphasizes that the hand of the Lord was upon Ezekiel, and he was brought down into the valley to witness the power of God. The speaker challenges the audience to consider their own willingness to be called by God and to be used as instruments of His power. He highlights the importance of the resurrection power of God being demonstrated through a transformed nation, and urges the audience to be active participants in this process.
New Covenant Principles
By Zac Poonen8231:04:12MAT 6:15MAT 18:21LUK 12:33LUK 12:48JHN 10:27ACT 24:162CO 5:17HEB 9:14
This sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping a clear conscience before God and men, focusing on forgiveness, setting things right, and pursuing peace. It highlights the need to align with God's standards, believe in His word, and strive for righteousness to be part of the resurrection of the righteous. The speaker urges the congregation to prioritize spiritual growth, humility, and genuine repentance to experience God's grace and salvation.
The New Covenant in Communion
By Doc Greenway77422:18CommunionHEB 9:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the inward law of sin and the inward law of the Spirit of life. He explains that the Spirit within the believer prompts, directs, and controls them to fulfill the desires of the Lord. The preacher then shares a story about a young boy accused of stealing, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility. Moving on to the biblical text, the preacher focuses on the epistle to the Hebrews, specifically chapter nine, verses fourteen and fifteen. He emphasizes Jesus as the mediator of the New Covenant, highlighting his role as the sacrifice and the priest. The preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus shedding his own blood for the redemption and sanctification of believers. He concludes by urging the congregation to remember Jesus' sacrifice as they partake in the communion table.
The Christian Life, 1968
By Norman Grubb7411:57:45Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:38ROM 8:12CO 5:21HEB 9:14JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus Christ and the world. They compare the start of a fire in the Amazon to the beginning of a relationship with Jesus, stating that it starts with a spark and grows into a consuming fire. The speaker also discusses the significance of family and taking care of one's own, while also acknowledging the role of government and societal responsibilities. They touch on the concept of materialism and the importance of understanding the truth through studying the Bible. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the unity and union between believers and Jesus, highlighting the depth of this spiritual connection.
Prayer Summit - Part 7 by Gerhard Dutoit
By Gerhard Du Toit62933:52JHN 15:4ROM 3:25ROM 5:9EPH 1:7HEB 9:14HEB 10:19HEB 13:121PE 1:21JN 1:71JN 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life under the anointing of the Spirit of God, inviting believers to seek God's presence through prayer and fasting, and to experience the power of the blood of Jesus for cleansing and purification. It highlights the significance of inner brokenness, redemption, reconciliation, and sanctification through the blood of Christ, encouraging believers to abide in Christ and allow His Spirit to transform their hearts and minds.
Victorious Life
By Basilea Schlink57904:35Radio ShowJOS 6:20MAT 26:28ROM 8:37EPH 1:7HEB 9:141JN 1:7REV 12:11In this sermon, Basilias Schlink discusses the power of God and how believers can experience it in their lives. He acknowledges that many believers have knowledge about salvation and the power of the cross, but struggle to be freed from their sins. Schlink emphasizes that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin and that even if we don't see immediate change, the stronghold of sin will eventually fall. He encourages believers to have triumphant faith, praising the victory of Jesus and proclaiming His redemption over their sins. Schlink also emphasizes the importance of examining our consciences, confessing our sins, and claiming the redeeming power of Jesus' blood.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who through the eternal Spirit - This expression is understood two ways: 1. Of the Holy Ghost himself. As Christ's miraculous conception was by the Holy Spirit, and he wrought all his miracles by the Spirit of God, so his death or final offering was made through or by the eternal Spirit; and by that Spirit he was raised from the dead, Pe1 3:18. Indeed, through the whole of his life be was justified by the Spirit; and we find that in this great work of human redemption, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were continually employed: therefore the words may be understood of the Holy Spirit properly. 2. Of the eternal Logos or Deity which dwelt in the man Christ Jesus, through the energy of which the offering of his humanity became an infinitely meritorious victim; therefore the Deity of Christ is here intended. But we cannot well consider one of these distinct from the other; and hence probably arose the various readings in the MSS. and versions on this article. Instead of δια Πνευματος αιωνιου, by the Eternal Spirit, δια Πνευματος Ἁγιου, by the Holy Spirit, is the reading of D*, and more than twenty others of good note, besides the Coptic, Slavonic, Vulgate, two copies of the Itala, Cyril, Athanasius sometimes, Damascenus, Chrysostom, and some others. But the common reading is supported by ABD**, and others, besides the Syriac, all the Arabic, Armenian, Ethiopic, Athanasius generally, Theodoret, Theophylact, and Ambrosius. This, therefore, is the reading that should he preferred, as it is probable that the Holy Ghost, not the Logos, is what the apostle had more immediately in view. But still we must say, that the Holy Spirit, with the eternal Logos, and the almighty Father, equally concurred in offering up the sacrifice of the human nature of Christ, in order to make atonement for the sin of the world. Purge your conscience - Καθαριει την συνειδησιν· Purify your conscience. The term purify should be everywhere, both in the translation of the Scriptures, and in preaching the Gospel, preferred to the word purge, which, at present, is scarcely ever used in the sense in which our translators have employed it. Dead works - Sin in general, or acts to which the penalty of death is annexed by the law. See the phrase explained, Heb 6:1 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
offered himself--The voluntary nature of the offering gives it especial efficacy. He "through the eternal Spirit," that is, His divine Spirit (Rom 1:4, in contrast to His "flesh," Heb 9:3; His Godhead, Ti1 3:16; Pe1 3:18), "His inner personality" [ALFORD], which gave a free consent to the act, offered Himself. The animals offered had no spirit or will to consent in the act of sacrifice; they were offered according to the law; they had a life neither enduring, nor of any intrinsic efficacy. But He from eternity, with His divine and everlasting Spirit, concurred with the Father's will of redemption by Him. His offering began on the altar of the cross, and was completed in His entering the holiest place with His blood. The eternity and infinitude of His divine Spirit (compare Heb 7:16) gives eternal ("eternal redemption," Heb 9:12, also compare Heb 9:15) and infinite merit to His offering, so that not even the infinite justice of God has any exception to take against it. It was "through His most burning love, flowing from His eternal Spirit," that He offered Himself [OECOLAMPADIUS]. without spot--The animal victims had to be without outward blemish; Christ on the cross was a victim inwardly and essentially stainless (Pe1 1:19). purge--purify from fear, guilt, alienation from Him, and selfishness, the source of dead works (Heb 9:22-23). your--The oldest manuscripts read "our." The Vulgate, however, supports English Version reading. conscience--moral religious consciousness. dead works--All works done in the natural state, which is a state of sin, are dead; for they come not from living faith in, and love to, "the living God" (Heb 11:6). As contact with a dead body defiled ceremonially (compare the allusion, "ashes of an heifer," Heb 9:13), so dead works defile the inner consciousness spiritually. to serve--so as to serve. The ceremonially unclean could not serve God in the outward communion of His people; so the unrenewed cannot serve God in spiritual communion. Man's works before justification, however lifelike they look, are dead, and cannot therefore be accepted before the living God. To have offered a dead animal to God would have been an insult (compare Mal 1:8); much more for a man not justified by Christ's blood to offer dead works. But those purified by Christ's blood in living faith do serve (Rom 12:1), and shall more fully serve God (Rev 22:3). living God--therefore requiring living spiritual service (Joh 4:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
How much more shall the blood of Christ,.... Which is not the blood of a mere man, but the blood of the Son of God; and the argument is from the lesser to the greater; that if the ashes of the burnt heifer, which was a type of Christ in his sufferings, mixed with water, typically sanctified to the purifying of men externally, in a ceremonial way, then much more virtue must there be in the blood of Christ, to cleanse the soul inwardly: who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God; Christ is a priest, and the sacrifice he has offend up is "himself"; not his divine nature, but his human nature, soul and body, as in union with his divine person; which gives his sacrifice the preference to all others; and is the reason of its virtue and efficacy, and is expressive of his great love to man: and this sacrifice was offered up "to God", against whom his people had sinned, and whose justice must be satisfied, and which is of a sweet smelling savour to him; besides, he called him to this work, and engaged him in it, and is well pleased with this offering, as he must needs be, since it is offered up "without spot"; which expresses the purity of Christ's nature and sacrifice, and the perfection of it, which is such, that no fault can be found in it by the justice of God; and hence, the saints, for whom it is offered, are unblamable and irreprovable, There is an allusion in the clause, both to the priests and to their sacrifices, which were neither of them to have any spot or blemish on them; and this unblemished sacrifice was offered unto God by Christ, through the eternal Spirit; not the human soul of Christ; for though that is a spirit, yet not eternal, and besides, was a part of the sacrifice; but rather the divine nature of Christ, which is a spirit, and may be so called in distinction from the flesh, or human nature, as it sometimes is, and this is eternal; it was from everlasting, as well as is to everlasting; and this supported him under all his sufferings, and carried him through them, and put virtue unto them; and Christ was a priest, in the divine, as well as human nature: though by it may be better understood "the Holy Ghost"; and so the Vulgate Latin version reads, and also several copies; since the divine nature rather acts by the human nature, than the human nature by the divine; and Christ is often said to do such and such things by the Holy Spirit; and as the Holy Ghost formed and filled the human nature of Christ, so he assisted and supported it under sufferings. This whole clause is inserted by way of parenthesis, showing the efficacy of Christ's blood, and from whence it is: to purge your conscience from dead works; that is, "from the works of sin", as the Ethiopic version renders it; which are performed by dead men, separate and alienated from the life of God, are the cause of the death of the soul, and expose to eternal death, and are like dead carcasses, nauseous and infectious; and even duties themselves, performed without faith and love, are dead works; nor can they procure life, and being depended on, issue in death; and even the works of believers themselves are sometimes performed in a very lifeless manner, and are attended with sin and pollution, and need purging: the allusion is to the pollution by the touch of dead bodies; and there may be some respect to the sacrifices of slain beasts, after the sacrifice and death of Christ, by believing Jews, who were sticklers for the ceremonies of the law, and thereby contracted guilt; but immoralities are chiefly designed, and with these the conscience of man is defiled; and nothing short of the blood of Christ can remove the pollution of sin; as that being shed procures atonement, and so purges away the guilt of sin, or makes reconciliation for it, so being sprinkled on the conscience by the Spirit of God, it speaks peace and pardon, and pacifies and purges it, and removes every incumbrance from it: the Alexandrian copy, the Vulgate Latin, and Syriac versions, read, "our conscience". The end and use of such purgation is, "to serve the living God"; so called to distinguish him from the idols of the Gentiles, and in opposition to dead works; and because he has life in himself, essentially and independently, and is the author and giver of life to others; and it is but the reasonable service of his people, to present their souls and bodies as a living sacrifice to him; and who ought to serve him in a lively manner, in faith, and with fervency, and not with a slavish, but a godly filial fear; and one that has his conscience purged by the blood of Christ, and is sensibly impressed with a discovery of pardoning grace, is in the best capacity for such service. The Alexandrian copy reads, "the living and true God".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:14 how much more: This is an argument from lesser to greater, a traditional Jewish rhetorical strategy; the logic is that if something is true in a lesser situation, it will be even more true in a greater situation (see also 2:1-4; 12:25-29). If the blood of animals had some effect in cleansing, the blood of Christ will be much more effective. • will purify our consciences: Christ’s sacrifice, unlike the sacrifices of the old covenant, removes the paralyzing guilt that keeps us from God by decisively cleansing us from sinful deeds.