Study 11
“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified”
(Hebrews 10:14)
Introduction
The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ not only reconciles us to God, but it also gives us the power to live holy and godly lives. Those who have had their sins cleansed away through the blood ought to live sanctified lives.
Is the Lord ashamed of us?
“For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11). This text reveals that those who are redeemed through the blood are Christ’s blood-brothers. This in turn means that they should exhibit His nature in their daily lives. The Lord is not ashamed of those who are truly washed by His sanctifying and atoning blood, but how often we bring shame upon Him by the things we do and say! We can make Him ashamed by not living up to the word of God (Mark 8:38; Romans 1:16), by continuing to live sinfully (Romans 6:21-23; Philippians 1:20-22), and by not abiding in Him (1 John 2:28-29; Hebrews 10:29).
His blood has perfected us
“He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Some commentators put this in the future tense to avoid the obvious sin in their lives; for example, Barnes in his Notes on the New Testament writes, “Be made perfect at some future period.” That it is past tense is plainly seen in the text since the “one offering” was made on Calvary’s cross. In Hebrews 10:10 Paul writes, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Placing this aspect of Christ’s atoning and sanctifying work in the future actually undermines the efficiency of His blood. Though sanctification is progressive, its work began when the Lord shed His blood for us. Those who are sanctified are set apart for His service.
Are we willing?
Regardless of the theological arguments concerning sanctification (progressive, instantaneous or finalised at death), every true followers of Christ ought to walk in holiness. This means that we ought to take hold of His cross and suffer the reproach it might bring … “Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach” (Hebrews 13:12-13.) If the Lord has chosen this way to sanctify us, then surely the cross is the way to maintain a sanctified life. Jesus encourages the believer to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). “Bearing His reproach” is the same as laying down our lives for Christ … “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:24-26). How can we hope to experience the blessings of the atonement if we are unwilling to take the first steps on the pathway of holiness? Why are so few are willing to be obedient to His will and word?
Conclusion
It is a shame that most Christians put their trust in the so-called ‘sinner’s prayer’ they recited in the past rather than in the Lord whose atoning blood paid the price for the sinner’s salvation. While they do believe that His blood has washed away their sin, their lives reveal something very different. He died to both save us and enable us to live a holy life.
Page created 15 November 2005