The Finished Work of Christ

The Final Sacrifice: Christ's Completed Work

Bible Passage: Hebrews 10:1-18

Summary: Hebrews 10:1-18 discusses how the sacrificial system of the Old Testament was a shadow of the true sacrifice that Jesus made once for all, highlighting the sufficiency and finality of His atonement.

Application: This message can help Christians understand that they no longer need to live under the burden of trying to earn God's favor through works or repetition of sacrifices. Instead, they can rest in the assurance that Christ has completed the work necessary for their redemption.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that the sacrifice of Jesus was not just a continuation of the old system of sacrifices but a complete fulfillment that renders further sacrifices unnecessary.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate and final sacrifice, which fulfills the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. It shows how Christ's death and resurrection fulfill the law and the prophets, making Him central to God's redemptive plan.

Big Idea: Jesus has fully satisfied the requirements of the law and our sin debt through His singular sacrifice, freeing us to live transformed lives in His grace instead of fear or legalism.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using your Logos library, consider exploring the historical context of the sacrificial system in Leviticus and its fulfillment in Christ. You might also look into the theological implications of 'once for all' in the context of atonement theories. Examine commentaries on Hebrews that address the text-critical issues surrounding the interpretation of the Old Testament quotes in Hebrews 10.

1. Shadow of Imperfection

Hebrews 10:1-4

You could start by discussing how the Old Testament sacrificial system was always intended as a temporary measure, a shadow of the good things to come. Emphasize that these sacrifices were unable to make worshippers perfect and were a constant reminder of sin. This sets the stage for the need of a perfect, once-and-for-all sacrifice.

2. Sufficiency of Christ

Hebrews 10:5-10

Perhaps focus on how Christ's coming fulfilled God's plan, contrasting the repeated sacrifices with Christ's single sacrifice. Highlight Christ's obedience and how God desires a willing heart over ritualistic sacrifices. This underscores the idea that Christ's work is sufficient, releasing us from striving for acceptance through works.

3. Completion of Redemption

Hebrews 10:11-14

You could illustrate the contrast between the continuous work of the priests and the completed work of Christ. Once seated, His work is finished, highlighting the permanence and effectiveness of His sacrifice. Encourage the congregation to trust in the finished work of Christ and find rest and assurance in Him.

4. Spirit of Assurance

Hebrews 10:15-18

Maybe explain how the Holy Spirit testifies that sins are forgiven and how the law is written on our hearts. This new relationship with God, based on grace not law, allows for a personal and transformative relationship with Him. Encourage living in the freedom won by Christ, without guilt or fear.

Imagine a time when you were assembling a complex piece of furniture. You followed the instructions, but at the end, you were left with extra pieces. It felt like you had to check and re-check your work. But when it was all put together, you stepped back and admired it. This is how it is with Christ’s work on the cross. He perfectly assembled salvation for us, with no extra pieces left behind. The finished work of Christ is complete, nothing more needed, just admire it and live in it!

In the Gospels, we see Jesus often surrounded by crowds, teaching, healing, and performing miracles. But there came a moment when, after everything was completed, He sat down. This act of sitting signified not just physical rest, but the completion of His mission — the work of redemption. Think of an artist standing before a completed masterpiece, stepping back to admire the fulfillment of vision. Jesus sat down, reflecting on the triumph of love over sin, a perfect assurance for us that our salvation is secured and that His work is finished.

Yet not even the blood of all those animals could atone for sin. In Hebrews we read that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4). What was needed was a more efficacious sacrifice, the offering of a more precious blood.

Philip Graham Ryken; R. Kent Hughes