“Christ’s sacrifice once for all.” What does that phrase mean? Let’s look at how it was used.

3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

Doctrine (biblical foundation) is not built upon one verse, so in order to understand, we must look at several verses where this concept is addressed.

¹⁰ The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. Romans 8:10

²⁷ Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. Hebrews 7:27

¹² He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12

²⁶ Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:26

² Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. Hebrews 10:2

¹⁰ And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

¹⁸ For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

In each of these verses, the main point is that Christ died for everyone. The debt was forgiven. The stain of sin has been washed clean. No one need pay for their sins themselves because Christ has set us free and has brought us near to the Father. What keeps people from coming to Christ? Unbelief, which springs from fear:

• Fear of a preconceived idea of who God/Christ is;
• Fear of not being in control of their own lives;
• Fear of not getting to do what they want to do;
• Fear that comes from not knowing;
• Fear caused by believing the enemy’s lies.

Distrust is what got us into this mess. Eve believed the serpent’s lie that God was holding back on them. She distrusted God and chose to see for herself. We all have chosen poorly. God knows us; we are small children to Him. It is why Jesus died once for all. He knew that we would fall and would need His help getting back on track with Him. In fact, this entire life is one big lesson in TRUST. The separation that we feel is in our heads; we feel it when we look into darkness. God has always been there with us coaxing us, even wooing us to Himself. He wants our attention. He wants our TRUST. What greater way could He show us His love and His trustworthiness than to give His life for us?

Let’s turn to Him with gratefulness in our hearts and give Him our lives today.

Abba, I’m amazed that You love me. I’m amazed that You care–but You do! We are Your children, and as our loving Father, You care for us as a Father cares for His children, as a shepherd cares for His sheep. May we BELIEVE You, O Lord. Amen.

*I wrote this song many years ago, and it still speaks my heart today:

I will trust You, Lord,
I will trust You, Lord,
I choose now this day whom I will serve,
I will trust You, Lord.
believe, love, serve