City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

When he said above, “Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Lo, I have come to do thy will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:8–10

Reflection

Under the Old Covenant, sacrifices had to be made over and over again for the sins of the people. Also, those sacrifices did not make forgiveness of sins available for the whole world but only to Israel. Those sacrifices were many for a few. Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all.

 Jesus’ sacrifice was of such that it only needed to be made once. Jesus told His disciples, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet” (John 13:10). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross baths us in forgiveness that is real and complete. It is sufficient to fully cleanse us. Christians must still “wash our feet,” meaning we must still repent and seek forgiveness when we sin. This protects our conscience and keeps us on the path of being conformed to the image of Christ. But Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient to cover those sins.

Jesus sacrifice was made “for all.” It is not just for the Jewish people. Jesus’ sacrifice demolished the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). Jesus’ sacrifice is so powerful it is not just for a people but all people. It is, however, still a covenant, and one must take action to secure its benefits. The New Covenant through Jesus’ sacrifice is secured by faith: 

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.”

Romans 3:22. 

Application

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was made once and for all. It was the ultimate drop-the-mic moment. By it He has set us free from dead works and ineffectual offerings.

To try to earn our forgiveness through good works following so great a sacrifice is an offense to God. It suggests Jesus’ sacrifice was insufficient. It suggests we can do better with our works than He did with His. It is liking picking up the mic after Jesus dropped it. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins once and for all. Amen.