Hebrews 10:10

And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Study Bible

And by that will
The phrase "by that will" refers to the divine will of God, which is central to the New Covenant. In the Greek, "will" is "θέλημα" (thelēma), indicating a deliberate choice or purpose. This highlights God's sovereign plan for redemption, contrasting the Old Covenant's repeated sacrifices with the singular, efficacious sacrifice of Christ. Historically, this underscores the transition from the law to grace, emphasizing God's intentional design for salvation through Jesus.

we have been sanctified
The term "sanctified" comes from the Greek "ἡγιασμένοι" (hēgiasmenoi), meaning to be made holy or set apart. This sanctification is not a process but a completed action, signifying the believer's position in Christ. It reflects the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice, setting believers apart for God's purposes. Scripturally, this aligns with the theme of holiness found throughout the Bible, where God's people are called to be distinct from the world.

through the sacrifice
The word "sacrifice" in Greek is "θυσία" (thysia), which refers to an offering. In the context of Hebrews, it contrasts the repeated animal sacrifices of the Old Testament with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus. This highlights the sufficiency and finality of Christ's atonement, fulfilling the sacrificial system and providing a new way to approach God.

of the body of Jesus Christ
This phrase emphasizes the physical, incarnate nature of Jesus' sacrifice. The Greek "σῶμα" (sōma) for "body" underscores the reality of Christ's humanity, essential for His role as the perfect mediator. Historically, this counters early heresies that denied Jesus' true humanity. Theologically, it affirms the necessity of the Incarnation for redemption, as only a perfect human could atone for human sin.

once for all
The phrase "once for all" is translated from the Greek "ἐφάπαξ" (ephapax), meaning a single, all-encompassing event. This underscores the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting with the repetitive nature of Old Testament sacrifices. It assures believers of the sufficiency of Jesus' atonement, providing eternal redemption and access to God. This concept is foundational to the assurance of salvation, emphasizing that no further sacrifice is needed.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
Central to this verse, Jesus is the one whose sacrifice sanctifies believers. His role as the High Priest and the ultimate sacrificial Lamb is emphasized throughout the book of Hebrews.

2. The Will of God
Refers to God's divine plan for salvation, which is fulfilled through the sacrifice of Jesus. This will is contrasted with the old covenant sacrifices that could not fully sanctify.

3. The Sacrifice
The event of Jesus' crucifixion, which is the pivotal act of redemption in Christian theology. It is described as a once-for-all sacrifice, highlighting its sufficiency and finality.

4. Sanctification
The process of being made holy, set apart for God. In this context, it is achieved through Jesus' sacrifice, not through human effort or repeated rituals.

5. The Old Covenant
The system of laws and sacrifices given to Israel, which is shown to be insufficient for complete sanctification, thus pointing to the need for a new covenant through Christ.

Teaching Points

The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice
Jesus' sacrifice is complete and sufficient for all time. Believers do not need to rely on repeated rituals or sacrifices to be sanctified.

Understanding Sanctification
Sanctification is both a completed act through Christ and an ongoing process in the believer's life. It is important to live in a way that reflects this set-apart status.

Living in the New Covenant
Embrace the freedom and responsibility that come with living under the new covenant. This involves a personal relationship with God through Jesus, rather than adherence to a set of rules.

The Will of God in Our Lives
Just as Jesus fulfilled God's will through His sacrifice, believers are called to seek and fulfill God's will in their own lives, trusting in His plan and purpose.

The Role of Faith
Faith is essential in accepting the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and living out the sanctified life. Trust in what Jesus has done, rather than relying on personal merit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice change the way you approach your relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the process of sanctification in your daily life?

3. How does the concept of a once-for-all sacrifice challenge or affirm your understanding of forgiveness and grace?

4. What are some practical ways you can live out the will of God in your life, as Jesus did?

5. How can the truths in Hebrews 10:10 encourage you when you struggle with feelings of inadequacy or guilt?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:12-14
These verses discuss how Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption, which parallels the idea of a once-for-all sacrifice in Hebrews 10:10.

Romans 12:1
This verse calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which connects to the theme of sanctification and living a life set apart for God.

1 Peter 1:18-19
These verses speak of being redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect, reinforcing the concept of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice.