The sermon titled “One and Done: The Power of Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice,” delves into the profound themes found in Hebrews 10. The chapter can be summarized by three words: superior, confident, and warning. These encapsulate the essence of Christ’s sacrifice, the boldness we can have in approaching God, and the caution against despising God’s grace.

The sermon began by discussing the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice, as outlined in Hebrews 10:1-18. The law, with its continuous sacrifices, was merely a shadow of the good things to come and could never make the worshipers perfect. Annual sacrifices served only as a reminder of sins, as it was impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Jesus’ sacrifice, however, is fundamentally superior. The old system required atonement, which means “covering” sins temporarily. This is vividly illustrated by the annual Yom Kippur sacrifices. Unlike these repeated offerings, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, eliminating sin, conquering death, and defeating the devil. He didn’t just cover sins but eradicated them, providing a permanent solution.

Furthermore, Hebrews 10:5-10 emphasizes that God took no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices. The real desire of God was obedience, not sacrifice. The law demanded sacrifices because of humanity’s disobedience. If people were perfectly obedient, there would be no need for sacrifices. This is illustrated through various examples, including the futility of trying to appease God with sacrifices while continuing in sin. Jesus, however, was perfectly obedient, fulfilling God’s will entirely.

Hebrews 10:11-14 highlights that Jesus’ one sacrifice has made us perfect. While we often see ourselves as flawed and failing, struggling with anxiety and depression, God sees us as perfect. We are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus, and our sins are remembered no more. The Holy Spirit assures us of this new covenant where God’s laws are written in our hearts and minds, and our sins are forgiven and forgotten. This forgiveness is not something we need to grant ourselves, as sin is against God, and He has already forgiven us. When Satan reminds us of our failures, we should remind ourselves of God’s promises: we are forgiven, there is no condemnation in Christ, and we can take every thought captive.

In light of this forgiveness, Hebrews 10:19-25 exhorts us to draw near to God with confidence, hold fast our faith without wavering, and stir up love and good works. This passage encourages us to assemble together, as community and fellowship are vital for maintaining a vibrant faith. The metaphor of church as a fireplace illustrates the importance of gathering together. When we come together, our collective faith and praise are strengthened. Conversely, neglecting assembly leads to isolation and weakened faith. Regular fellowship with other believers is crucial, as it helps us avoid the negative influences of the ungodly.

The final section of Hebrews 10:26-39 serves as a solemn warning against willfully despising God’s grace after receiving the knowledge of the truth. This warning is not about common sins but about the deliberate rejection of Christ after understanding His sacrifice. Such rejection is described as trampling the Son of God underfoot and insulting the Spirit of grace. The consequences are severe, as falling into the hands of the living God is a fearful prospect. However, there is also encouragement to recall past faithfulness and endure, knowing that God will fulfill His promises. The just shall live by faith, and we are not of those who draw back but those who believe to the saving of the soul.

The sermon closed with a reminder of the three key points: the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice, our confident approach to God, and the warning against despising God’s grace. The call to action was clear: accept His forgiveness and walk in it.

This sermon was delivered by Pastor Allen Victor at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville.

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