Once and for all phenomenon

 

I beg to ask a question what does the phrase “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” truly means? (Hebrews 10:10)

Some people interpret this to mean that there is nothing else one is required to do in terms of obedience to the laws and commandments of God and the offerings and sacrifices for sin, since Jesus Christ has done this for us once, for all. But what exactly did Jesus Christ do once and for all?

As far as I have studied the word of God, I can pinpoint five (5) things which Jesus Christ did once and for all for humanity, and two things yet to be done once and for all. And as far as I can perceive none of them relegates mankind especially the believer from doing what they have been ordained to do, which is to become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own special people, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

One should always bear in mind that this once and for all phenomenon is to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

It is also of intrinsic importance to note that, they are not all Israel who are of Israel: Therefore, what the Lord did once and for all pertain to all humanity especially the true Israel who is of that One Seed which is Christ. For there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Now the five once for all phenomena mentioned in the scriptures which have already transpired and are currently in force today are as follows:

1. Christ died to sin once for  all  

It is stated quite clearly that, “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit: And also, “knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God” (Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 3:18, Romans 6:9-10).

The emphasis here is on Jesus Christ who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:15-20)

This is the first once and for all phenomenon which will never again be repeated.

2. Access to the Most Holy Place

The second once and for all phenomenon is Man's access to the Most Holy Place in the presence of the Most High. The scripture states quite clearly that, “the Holy Spirit indicating this that, the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.” But Jesus Christ with His own blood entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption”. So now, we can come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 9:8, 12: 4:16).

The implementation of this second once and for all phenomenon is the sacrificial body of Jesus Christ who according to the apostle Paul is, a new and living way which Christ consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, but this act is being perpetuated and represented by partaking of unleavened bread during communion, for as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

To  be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph