How does Hebrews 10:12 emphasize Christ's completed work for our salvation? Setting the Stage: Priestly Routines vs. Christ’s Finality - Under the old covenant, priests stood daily, offering the same sacrifices again and again (Hebrews 10:11). - Those sacrifices could “never take away sins,” showing their provisional nature. The Pivotal Statement “ But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12) Key Phrases That Shout “Finished!” • “this Priest” – Jesus stands in sharp contrast to every Levitical priest. • “had offered” – a completed historical act, not an ongoing process. • “for all time” – His sacrifice remains perpetually effective; no expiration date. • “one sacrifice” – singular, sufficient, unrepeatable. • “sat down” – priests never sat in the tabernacle because their work was never done; Christ’s seating signals mission accomplished (cf. Hebrews 1:3). • “at the right hand of God” – the position of highest honor and authority, confirming the Father’s acceptance of the work. Supporting Witnesses from Scripture - Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” - Hebrews 9:26 – “He has appeared once at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” - Romans 6:10 – “The death He died, He died to sin once for all.” - 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” - John 19:30 – “It is finished.” Implications for Every Believer • Complete forgiveness—no sin left uncovered. • Assured salvation—secured by a finished work, not by ongoing human effort. • Freedom from ritualistic guilt—no additional sacrifices or penance required. • Confident access to God—enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). • Ongoing advocacy—though His atoning work is finished, He still intercedes (Hebrews 7:25). Living in the Reality of a Finished Work - Rest in His sufficiency rather than striving to earn favor. - Celebrate communion as a remembrance, not a re-sacrifice. - Share the good news that forgiveness is already secured in Christ. - Worship with gratitude, knowing the price is paid in full. |
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