August 6, 2014

IT IS FINISHED.

Hebrews 10:1–18

Krisi Ingram
Wednesday's Devo

August 6, 2014

Wednesday's Devo

August 6, 2014

Central Truth

Christ's death on the cross was the one-time sacrifice needed to atone for all of our sins. Sitting down at the right hand of God shows that Christ's payment was complete. There is nothing more to be done.

Key Verse | Hebrews 10:12

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12)

Hebrews 10:1–18

Christ's Sacrifice Once for All

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Consequently, when Christ 1 10:5 Greek he came into the world, he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
    but a body have you prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
    as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”

When he said above, “You have 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, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ 2 10:12 Greek this one had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

16  “This is the covenant that I will make with them
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
    and write them on their minds,”

17 then he adds,

“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Footnotes

[1] 10:5 Greek he
[2] 10:12 Greek this one

Dive Deeper | Hebrews 10:1–18

Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned; Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. In Leviticus 17:11, we are told, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

So, what exactly does that mean? Matthew Henry's commentary explains, "The sinner deserved to die; therefore the sacrifice must die."

In Hebrews 10, we are reminded that Christ's death on the cross was a one-time, perfect, and complete sacrificial payment for our sin. There is no longer a need for anyone to stand at an altar and give a sacrifice to atone for sin. In Christ, the sacrifice was complete, atonement was made, and our debt was not merely canceled, but rather paid in full. If we place our faith (belief) and hope (trust) in Christ, then our sins will be remembered no more.

As I grow in relationship with Christ, there comes a greater understanding of the depth of my own depravity and my desperate need for a Savior, which brings a greater appreciation for what Christ did on the cross. He died the death that I deserve. In doing so, He has made a way for me to receive forgiveness of my sin, be restored to a right relationship with God, and to live eternal life in heaven! Despite this wonderful truth, there are times when the enemy tempts me to believe that I should do something more to appear more favorable in the eyes of God, when the truth is that even my best effort would fall short! Ephesians 2:13 reminds me, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

In Christ, it is finished! There is nothing more to be done. Praise be to God for the gift of the sacrifice of His beloved Son!

Discussion Questions

1. While Christ was the sacrifice for our sins, Romans 12:1 says that we should be a living sacrifice. What does this mean? How do you demonstrate this in your own life?

2. How should Hebrews 10:17-18 influence how we forgive others? Is there currently anyone that you need to forgive in this way? What is keeping you from doing that?

3. Do you find yourself still living with guilt and shame over past sin? If so, what is the root that is preventing you from accepting the freedom that Christ offers? Read Galatians 5:1.