“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:12 (NKJV)
Have you ever tried fixing something over and over again, only to realize what you really needed was a permanent solution? The Old Testament sacrificial system was like a temporary patch, effective for a moment, but never truly solving the problem. The problem was sin, and the solution was not in repeated offerings of animals, but in one perfect, eternal sacrifice—Jesus Christ. The question is, how can one sacrifice deal with the sins of all people for all time? The answer lies in the finished work of the cross.
Under the Old Covenant, sacrifices were offered continually, but they could never fully cleanse the heart of the worshipper. “These offerings were a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ”. (Colossians 2:17). The blood of bulls and rams could cover sin temporarily, but it could not remove guilt permanently.
The law pointed to a deeper need for a Savior. “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20). The law was never the cure, but rather the diagnosis. It made man aware of his need for a perfect Redeemer.
Jesus Christ fulfilled that need. He was the Lamb without blemish, foreshadowed in the Passover (Exodus 12:5). His sacrifice wasn’t just another offering—it was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption.“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Unlike the priests of the old covenant who stood daily offering sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once. (1 Peter 3:18) His death was not symbolic—it was substitutionary and sufficient.
This sacrifice brings lasting transformation. (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus doesn’t just remove sin; He gives new life. Because of Christ’s one-time sacrifice, believers now have unrestricted access to God. The veil that once separated man from God was torn at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing a new and living way into God’s presence. (Ephesians 2:13)
Even now, Jesus’ finished work is our foundation and intercession. (Romans 8:34) He sat down at the right hand of the Father, not because He was tired, but because His work was complete.
To reject this sacrifice is to reject the only hope of salvation. Acts 4:12 says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” No other sacrifice is coming. What Jesus did was enough.
Jesus’ sacrifice is not just historical; it is eternal. His death on the cross settled the issue of sin once and for all. It was the single offering that satisfied divine justice and opened the way to God for all who believe. (John 19:30). There is no need for another altar, another lamb, or another priest. Christ is enough. Let us hold firmly to this truth and draw near with full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:23).
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 17-18; Mark 10:1-25