Hebrews 10:14 "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified."

"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14).

Comment:

Very little is known about the Letter to the Hebrews. Its author is unknown, as is the date of composition – although it was certainly written late in the first century of the Christian movement. Nor do we know why it was written, or to whom it was specifically addressed. We can tell from internal evidence that it was directed to a Christian group of both Jews and Gentiles who were beginning to waver in their faith. The Jews, in particular, were being drawn back to their previous religion. The overall purpose of the letter is thus to argue the superiority of the Christian faith over the religion of the Jews.   Within this context, Chapter Ten concerns itself with Jewish traditions and rituals – particularly rituals of sacrifice. The chapter begins thus: "Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach" (Heb. 10:1). Obedience to the law, in other words, will only take us so far on a spiritual path. The argument continues that if the sacrificial rituals were truly effective, there would be no need to repeat them over and over again. (Ironically, perhaps, the Christian Church went on to develop its own rituals and traditions, and repeat them over and over again.)   The underlying truth is that the Christ trumps the law. The newly understood relationship to God that Jesus taught and demonstrated is not one of obedience, but of union. Once that union is recognized, and once we have surrendered our lives and wills to that union, nothing more is needed.   This is not to say – as many do – that Jesus did all the work, and we have but to believe in him to achieve what he achieved. No. Jesus demonstrated the possibility, and showed us the way. He then calls us to follow his path ourselves, so that we can express the Christ as fully in our lives as he did in his. "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). His demonstration of eternal life – moving through the challenge and illusion of death to the ultimate reality of the Resurrection – was a demonstration for us all. If we are “sanctified” – that is, if we are open in our minds and hearts to the truth that he taught and became – we can have faith in his example and proceed on our own path with confidence and love. We will still have our own crucifixions – our own conflicts between spiritual truth and mortal appearances – but they need not deter or distract us, because we have the example of Jesus Christ assuring us that fear-based illusions can never overcome spiritual reality.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed