Forever Made Perfect

Text: Hebrews 10:8-14

Theme: Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all time to make us holy.

Key verses: “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time” (v. 10). “But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy” (v. 12-14).

What God said to me: Dwayne, notice the recurring theme: “once for all time,” “good for all time,” “forever made perfect.” What my Son did he did once for all. In one fatal-to-sin swoop he took out the penalty, power and possibility of sin’s reign over my children. It is my will for you to be holy, and our enemies can do nothing about it–even with all their conniving and angling. (In fact, the best they can hope for is to fade into the insignificance of mere footstools for my Son to stand upon.) Since you cannot become holy on your own pitiful efforts and sacrifices, it required that my Son come and offer himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Let that soak in to your stubborn and distracted heart. You have life because of my Son’s death. You have forgiveness and peace because of his sacrifice on the cross. What he did needs never to be repeated. It was truly the ultimate fix to your problem. You have forever been made perfect in my sight, because when I look at you I see my Son’s blood applied to your sinful heart. I hear my Son’s voice ever interceding for you as he sits at my right hand. I know you as my own son because my only begotten Son, Jesus, took your place and died in your stead. Don’t ever forget that sacrifice, Dwayne. On this Memorial Day in your United States, remember those who fell for your freedom–especially my Son who paid the ultimate price for your redemption and eternal life.

What I said to God: Holy Lord, You are my all in all. You are my source of hope and life and peace. There is no one like You. There is no one else who has forever, once and for all, good for all time, made me perfect. In the practical day-to-day living out of my Christ-purchased perfection, I am far from perfect. Nonetheless, I trust that I am still being made holy in my daily thoughts and actions, even as You see me as holy because of Your Son’s blood. I am so thankful He came and died. I should be in tears right now, just thinking about His sacrifice and the pain and agony He endured for us. But alas, I am not that moved. I have grown apathetic–thus pathetic. Please forgive me. Help me reckon myself to be dead to me and my wants and my fleshly desires. By Your grace help me live only for You today and every day. Please do that for my family as well. Lead us to be Your light in a dark world.