What does "sanctified through the sacrifice" mean in the context of Hebrews 10:10? Setting the Scene: Hebrews 10:10 in Its Context • The writer is contrasting the Old Covenant’s repeated animal sacrifices with Jesus’ single, decisive offering. • Hebrews 10:9 ends, “He takes away the first to establish the second,” introducing Christ’s obedience to the Father’s will. • Then v. 10 declares: “And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Key Word: “Sanctified”—What Does It Mean? • At its core, “sanctified” means “made holy,” “set apart for God,” or “consecrated.” • Three biblical dimensions: – Past (positional): a completed act—believers are decisively set apart because of Christ (Hebrews 10:10). – Present (progressive): the Spirit applies Christ’s work, shaping daily conduct (1 Thessalonians 4:3). – Future (perfected): final, sinless glory (Hebrews 12:23). • In Hebrews 10:10 the emphasis is the first—our new, permanent standing before God. We do not sanctify ourselves; God does it through Christ. The Role of “the Sacrifice of the Body of Jesus Christ” • The phrase highlights a real, physical, once-for-all offering. • Old Covenant sacrifices: symbolic, temporary, repeated annually (Hebrews 10:1-4). • Jesus’ sacrifice: – Substitutionary—He takes our place (1 Peter 2:24). – Sufficient—“once for all” means no further offering is needed (Hebrews 9:12). – Cleansing—His blood removes sin, not merely covers it (Hebrews 9:14). • Because the sacrifice is perfect, the sanctification that flows from it is secure. Once for All—Why the Finality Matters • Assurance: we rest in finished work, not in fluctuating performance (Hebrews 10:14). • Access: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Identity: “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Our core status is already holy in God’s sight. So What? Practical Implications for Daily Life • Live from acceptance, not for acceptance. Holiness is the starting point, not a goal we hope to achieve. • Pursue ongoing growth: because we are set apart, we cooperate with the Spirit in everyday choices (Romans 6:6, 1 Peter 1:15-16). • Reject condemnation: failures call for confession, not despair (1 John 1:9). The once-for-all sacrifice remains the basis of cleansing. • Worship with gratitude: “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her” (Ephesians 5:25-26). Our holiness cost Him everything. Summary “Sanctified through the sacrifice” (Hebrews 10:10) means that by Jesus’ single, physical offering in obedience to the Father’s will, believers are permanently set apart as God’s holy people. This positional sanctification anchors our assurance, fuels daily transformation, and guarantees a glorious future—all because His sacrifice was perfect, sufficient, and never needs repeating. |
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