“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:12-14).
The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ “offered a single sacrifice for sins,” And then “he sat down at the right hand of God.” This statement should gladden our hearts and strengthen our faith in the crucified One, who is now exalted at God’s right hand. It also shows that the shed blood and death of Christ on the Cross have fully met and satisfied the holy and righteous requirements of God for our salvation.
The sacrifices and offerings under the old covenant were shadows and types, which pointed to the Lord. However, they could never “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? (Hebrews 10:1,2).
The one sacrifice of the Lord Jesus is therefore superior to those many sacrifices that were offered on Jewish altars in Israel’s day. The Scripture states, “But in those 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 came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me.” (Hebrews 10:3-5).
The words of the following hymn is appropriate to our study of a single sacrifice for sins:
No flame, no smoke ascends on high,
The lamb is slain no more.
But richer blood has flowed
From nobler veins
To purge the soul from guilt
And cleanse the reddest stains.
(Horatius Bonar 1808-1889)
The Lord Jesus has perfected our salvation by doing all that was absolutely needed and required by God. “There no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). The blood of the animal sacrifices under the old covenant could never bring peace to the guilty conscience nor even remove the stain of sin. The sinner’s guilt was borne by Christ on the Cross. Jewish sacrifices have long lost their efficacy. In Christ, all the shadows of the law have been fulfilled and now withdrawn.
William MacDonald makes an insightful commentary as follows: “Our beloved Lord offered a single sacrifice for sins. None other would ever be needed! Having finished the work of redemption, He “sat down in perpetuity at [the] right hand of God” (JND). This verse may correctly be punctuated to read either He “offered one sacrifice for ever,” or that He “forever sat down.” Both are true, but we tend to believe that the latter is the correct interpretation. He is seated uninterruptedly because sin’s tremendous claim has been settled forever. He is seated at the right hand of God, the place of honor, power, and affection.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary p. 2189).
Today, there is an empty tomb and an occupied throne in heaven, where our risen glorified Savior appears before the majestic God for us. “For the death that he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God” (Romans 6:10).
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
(Hebrews 10:14). Herein lies the assurance of the believer’s security for time and for all eternity. The believer can rest assured knowing that he has been “declared righteous” by God because his sins and iniquities will not be remembered anymore.
Believers now stand in the grace of God because God has made us accepted or “highly favored” in His “Beloved” Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:6). What a wonderful and glorious position to be in. May we therefore lift high the banner of the Lord who is exalted in heaven. May the Lord grant it for His name’s sake. Amen.