Once And For All Jesus Made Us Holy

The Old Testament sacrifices were mandated by God because of man’s sinful nature. Thousands upon thousands of animals were killed to make an atonement for sin. Jesus, however, became the ultimate sacrifice once and for all.

For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.  Hebrews 10:10   

Blood is an interesting fluid. If it doesn’t run through our veins, we will physically die. In the Old Testament, God required animal sacrifices because of Israel’s sin.

As a young Christian, I didn’t understand why that was so important to God. Why He required the shedding of blood. I can’t say I fully understand it now, but I do accept it.

Even though God created all of the animals, He allowed only certain ones offered for sacrifice.

He was also very particular about the age and condition of those animals.

So, under those stipulations, they made regular sacrifices every day. For the nation as a whole and for individuals. But none of those sacrifices were good enough.

The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship.  Hebrews 10:1

If that type of sacrifice was sufficient, it wouldn’t have had to be repeated day after day.

If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. Hebrews 10:2

David’s Prophecy In Psalm 40

The writer of Hebrews in verse 5 quoted these prophetic words (bolded) from David in Psalm 40. 

For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. Hebrews 10:4-5

The quote continued in the next two verses.

You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’ Hebrews 10:6-7

Jesus knew God did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings, or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin.

Even though required by the law of Moses, God wasn’t pleased with them. So Jesus did the following.

Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. Hebrews 10:9

Jesus accomplished what He set out to do. It met the Father’s requirements. And the third person of the Godhead testified to it.

For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. Hebrews 10:14-15

What Does “Once and for All” Mean for Us

How does Christ’s accomplished work affect us? We can boldly go to the Lord for forgiveness. And receive it for everything we have done that has displeased God.

Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. Hebrews 10:17-18

Let me define the phrase “once and for all.” Jesus died once and for all, for all people (including you), for all time, and for all sin.

How can you benefit from what Jesus offers to everyone? Accept what Jesus did for you when He died on the cross. Ask Him to forgive you of all your sins. And then, live for Him.

Jesus, thank you for what you accomplished on the cross, once and for all! Bless all who accept you today.

Checkout out these related posts on other things Jesus has done for us.

• Jesus Prayed For Us! Did You Know That?
• Jesus Fulfilled The Law Of The Old Testament
• Is There Healing When Jesus is Revealed?
• Jesus Is The Ultimate Sacrifice For All Eternity
• Jesus Really Does Want To Be Your Friend

Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 10.

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