Regular rhythms of righteousness can help us to remember our sinful nature and our need to be forgiven. But even the best routines are ineffective means of perfecting us and should point to our Savior who is the only one that can say “I will remember their sins no more” even when we can’t seem to forget. Jesus Christ has perfected us Once and For All as we are being made holy progressively in this life.
Sermon Scripture: Hebrew 10:1-18
Point #1: Repetition signals ineffectiveness and could not remove the guilt that stains the conscience barring sinners from God’s holy presence. Verse 10:3-4 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Prophetic Confession #1: Gracious Father, thank you for reminding us that our sin was taken away once and for all.
Point #2: Repetition places the emphasis on our regular actions, but Christ shifts our focus to his supernatural work. Verse 10:9-10 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.
Prophetic Confession #2: Risen Savior, thank you for your supernatural work of forgiveness that sanctifies us once and for all.
Point #3: Christ exaltation displays the finality of his sacrifice. Verse 10:12 But when Christ 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.
Prophetic Confession #3: Holy Spirit, enrich us in a manner that makes us eager to forsake sin and grow in holiness once and for all.