Hebrews 10:14

because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

Study Bible

For by a single offering
The phrase "single offering" emphasizes the uniqueness and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. In the Greek, the word for "offering" is "προσφορά" (prosphora), which denotes a gift or sacrifice presented to God. Historically, the Jewish sacrificial system required repeated offerings, but Christ's sacrifice was once and for all. This highlights the finality and completeness of His work on the cross, contrasting with the repetitive nature of Old Testament sacrifices. Theologically, this underscores the belief that Jesus' death was sufficient to atone for all sin, a cornerstone of conservative Christian doctrine.

He has made perfect
The Greek term "τετελείωκεν" (teteleiōken) is used here, which is derived from "τελειόω" (teleioō), meaning to complete or perfect. This word choice indicates a completed action with ongoing results. In the context of Hebrews, "made perfect" refers to the spiritual completeness and maturity that believers receive through Christ. Historically, the concept of perfection in Jewish thought was often linked to ritual purity and adherence to the law. However, in Christ, believers are seen as perfect in their standing before God, not through their own efforts but through His finished work.

for all time
This phrase underscores the eternal nature of Christ's sacrifice. The Greek "εἰς τὸ διηνεκές" (eis to dienekes) translates to "forever" or "continually." It signifies that the effects of Jesus' offering are not temporary but everlasting. This assurance of eternal redemption is a source of great comfort and hope for believers, affirming that their salvation is secure. In a historical context, this would have been a radical departure from the temporary atonement provided by the annual Day of Atonement in Jewish tradition.

those who are being sanctified
The process of sanctification is ongoing, as indicated by the present participle "τοὺς ἁγιαζομένους" (tous hagiazomenous) in Greek. Sanctification refers to the process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes. This phrase highlights the dynamic nature of the Christian life, where believers are continually being transformed into the likeness of Christ. Scripturally, sanctification is both a positional reality and a progressive experience. While believers are declared holy through Christ's sacrifice, they are also called to grow in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit. This dual aspect of sanctification is a key tenet in conservative Christian theology, emphasizing both the assurance of salvation and the call to live a life that reflects God's holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, Jesus is the one who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His role as the High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb is crucial to understanding the passage.

2. The Offering
Refers to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. This single offering is contrasted with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament.

3. The Sanctified
Believers who are being made holy through the work of Christ. This ongoing process of sanctification is a key theme in the verse.

4. The Old Covenant Sacrifices
The context of the passage contrasts the repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant with the single, sufficient sacrifice of Christ.

5. The New Covenant
The new relationship between God and humanity established through Jesus' sacrifice, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant.

Teaching Points

The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice
Christ's single offering is sufficient for all time, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Believers can rest in the assurance of their salvation.

The Process of Sanctification
While believers are made perfect in their standing before God, they are also in the process of being sanctified. This dual reality calls for a life of ongoing spiritual growth and holiness.

The Assurance of Salvation
The verse provides assurance that those who are in Christ are eternally secure. This assurance should lead to a life of gratitude and obedience.

Living in the New Covenant
Understanding the New Covenant should transform how believers live, emphasizing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The Call to Holiness
As those who are being sanctified, believers are called to pursue holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a "single offering" in Hebrews 10:14 contrast with the Old Testament sacrificial system?

2. In what ways does understanding the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice impact your daily walk with God?

3. How can the assurance of being "made perfect for all time" influence your perspective on struggles with sin and spiritual growth?

4. What practical steps can you take to actively participate in the process of sanctification in your life?

5. How does the New Covenant, as described in Hebrews and other scriptures, change your understanding of your relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 7:27
This verse highlights the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice compared to the daily sacrifices of the priests, emphasizing the once-for-all nature of His offering.

Romans 5:9-10
These verses discuss justification and salvation through Christ's blood, connecting to the idea of being made perfect and sanctified.

1 Peter 1:18-19
This passage speaks of redemption through the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish, reinforcing the concept of a perfect offering.

Philippians 1:6
This verse assures believers that God will complete the good work He began in them, aligning with the ongoing process of sanctification mentioned in Hebrews 10:14.