The Effects of Christ's Sacrifice

Hebrews 10:11–25 ESV

11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 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. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

The writer of Hebrews contrasts the old covenant system of continual sacrifices with the finished work of Jesus Christ. This passage highlights the profound effects of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and how it transforms our relationship with God, ourselves, and others.

1. Christ’s sacrifice allows us to be made perfect in this life. (vs. 11-14)

1 John 4:12 ESV

12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

John Wesley's doctrine of Christian Perfection is a central tenet of Methodist theology, emphasizing the possibility of attaining a state of perfect love and holiness in this life. Wesley taught that this perfection is not absolute or angelic, but rather a perfection of love and intention, achievable through faith. He believed that sanctification, which begins at conversion, can culminate in a "second work of grace" or "entire sanctification," where believers are cleansed from all sinful tempers. Wesley stressed that this perfection is dynamic, always improvable, and does not exclude ignorance or mistakes[2][3]. He viewed it as a process of continuous growth towards perfection, with the possibility of instantaneous experiences of grace. Wesley articulated these ideas in his tract "A Plain Account of Christian Perfection," which became influential in various holiness movements. While acknowledging the rarity of this attainment, Wesley maintained that it was the privilege of all believers and essential for preparing the soul for heaven.

Explanation: Unlike the repetitive sacrifices of Old Testament priests, Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all. His offering perfected those being sanctified and brought an end to the need for continual offerings.

Application: Rest in the finished work of Christ. Believers are no longer under the weight of sin’s condemnation but can live in the freedom of God’s grace.

Illustration: Imagine a debt that is fully paid. You no longer receive bills or reminders; the burden is gone. That’s what Christ’s sacrifice accomplishes.

Perhaps you could emphasize the contrast in verses 11-14 between the old priestly system and the new era ushered in by Jesus' sacrifice, highlighting how His single offering perfects believers eternally. You might explore how this removal of repeated sacrifices empowers us to embrace our identity as forgiven people living under grace. Understanding this can eliminate guilt and fuel us with confidence and assurance in our faith, pointing to the completed work of Christ as central to God's salvation plan.

2. The Holy Spirit leads us into sanctification. (vs. 15-18)

2 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV

13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

Entire sanctification is a concept in Christian theology, particularly emphasized in Wesleyan traditions, referring to a transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. It is described as a process by which the Holy Spirit fully dwells in the human soul, making it wholly committed to God[1]. This experience is distinct from the ongoing process of spiritual growth, as it is not something one grows into, but rather a specific work of Christ through the Spirit. The concept involves a purification from sin, specifically the cleansing of the heart from all sin or inherited depravity. It is seen as the "consummation" of the work of grace in the heart, resulting in "entire holiness.” Some theologians describe it as bringing believers into a state of complete devotion to God and perfect obedience in love. This experience is believed to be instantaneous, wrought by faith through the "baptism" or "infilling" of the Holy Spirit, following a believer's entire consecration to God. It's important to note that while entire sanctification is considered a complete work in terms of commitment and indwelling, it does not mark the end of spiritual growth, which is said to accelerate at this point.

Key Point: Christ’s sacrifice grants us bold and confident access to God.

Old Covenant Context: Under the old system, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year with fear and trembling, offering sacrifices repeatedly for the sins of the people.

New Covenant Reality: Through Jesus’ perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, we have a "new and living way" to approach God. His blood cleanses our hearts and makes us worthy to draw near.

Application: This should fill us with confidence in prayer and worship. We are no longer separated from God by sin; we are welcomed into His presence as beloved children.

Illustration: Imagine a once-locked door to a king’s throne room now thrown open, with an invitation to come boldly before the king—not as strangers, but as family.

You could focus on how verses 15-18 show the fulfillment of prophetic promises through a new covenant where sins are remembered no more. This fulfillment invites believers to live free from the chains of past transgressions. Perhaps stressing the Holy Spirit's role indicates the transformation possible within, emphasizing reliance on the Spirit for daily guidance, and highlights Christ's sacrifice as the anchor of our freedom and transformation.

3. Christ’s sacrifice calls us to social holiness. (vs. 19-25)

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

John Wesley once said that there was no holiness but social. This is often misconstrued as a call for social justice. As I just noted Wesley was in favor of positive social action and witness, but that’s not what he was talking about when he referred to social holiness. He meant that one cannot become a holier person in isolation. God did not call us to be, as Wesley put it, holy solitaries. God called us to be part of the body of Christ, part of the church. It is within faithful community that we become holier people.

This is why Wesley began very early on in the Methodist movement to organize his followers into classes and bands. These weren’t just small groups. They weren’t book studies. They were communities formed for the purpose of watching over one another in love. They were places where people would have candid conversations about the state of their spiritual lives, their relationship with God, and their need for repentance.

George Whitefield once remarked that while Wesley‘s movement continued with strength, his own followers were “a rope of sand.” What was the difference? Wesley had organized his followers into groups of mutual accountability, love, and support. Whitefield did not. He was a great preacher, but after his preaching, there was no clear process for discipling those who were moved to give their lives to Christ. Hence Whitefield is remembered for his preaching, and Wesley for the movement to which he gave rise, and which continues among millions around the world today.

If the new Methodism does not take seriously the importance of class and band meetings, we will once again lose our Methodist distinctiveness. We will become another form of generic American evangelicalism, and, eventually, a rope of sand. I hope for a new emphasis on social holiness that restores this crucial part of our heritage as Methodists.

Key Point: Christ’s sacrifice calls us into a community of faith and love.

Holding Fast Together: Verse 23 encourages us to hold unwaveringly to the hope we profess because God is faithful. This perseverance is often nurtured in the context of community.

Mutual Encouragement: We are called to "stir up one another to love and good works" (v. 24). This is possible because of the shared foundation we have in Christ.

The Importance of Gathering: The sacrifice of Christ compels us not to neglect meeting together but to build one another up, especially as we see "the Day approaching."

Application: Commit to active participation in the church. Encourage, serve, and grow with your fellow believers.

Illustration: Coals burn brighter and hotter when grouped together but grow cold when isolated.

In verses 19-25, you might explore the call to live pro-actively based on Christ's sacrifice: drawing near to God, holding fast to hope, and encouraging one another. This section is about community and perseverance, suggesting that shared faith journey is essential. With an open invitation to approach God, perhaps this empowerment of community reflects the transformed relational dynamics made possible in Christ. This call to action urges us to embody the transformative effect of His sacrifice in community engagement and steadfast hope.

Conclusion:

The effects of Christ’s sacrifice are clear:

We can be made perfect in love in this life.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made sanctified to live for Christ.

We cannot be Christians in isolation. We must have the community to help us in our growth in sanctification and perfection in love.

Challenge: Live in the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. Draw near to God, rest in His forgiveness, and actively engage in His community. As we do so, let us reflect the hope we have in Christ to a world in need.

Closing Prayer: Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of community. Ask for grace to live boldly, assuredly, and lovingly in response to His great gift.