Daily EncouragementSample

The message of encouragement seldom comes across more clearly than when it emphasizes the finished work of Christ. A key phrase in that emphasis is this - “once for all.”

“Once for all” - it takes us to the heart of the Christian revelation. “In Christ’s sacrifice,” says James Denney, “we see the final revelation of what God is, that behind which there is nothing in God, so that the religion which rests on that sacrifice rests on the ultimate truth of the divine nature, and can never be shaken.”

“Once for all” - it is absolutely unique. It is not a daily sacrifice - “he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day” (Heb. 7:27). It is not an annual sacrifice - “he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood” (Heb. 9:12). It is the one perfect sacrifice for sins for ever.

“Once for all” - it has been perfectly accomplished. This Epistle’s fourfold reference to the fact that our Lord is seated at the right hand of God emphasizes this truth (1:3; 8:1; 10:12-13; 12:2). No seat was provided for the priest in tabernacle or temple - “Day after day every priest stands” (Heb. 10:11). “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God” (Heb. 10:12).

“Once for all” - the phrase is a real honeycomb of encouragement!