Once Was Enough

Mark: If you've ever felt like something you did is too far from God, this one's for you. What does Hebrews 10:10 say Jesus did?

Sarah: That's a real worry, and I've carried it too. Hebrews 10:10 has something to say about it, so let's hear what it says.

Scripture: by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Mark: One time, though? With people, forgiveness usually has to be asked for again and again, so how does one time work?

Sarah: Look at what's around it. The writer describes priests standing there day after day, offering the same sacrifices over and over, and says those could never take away sins.

Mark: So the old sacrifices could never take away sins, and they just had to be offered again and again?

Sarah: Right. But Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins, and then he sat down. Notice the contrast: the priests stand, but he sat down. The passage says by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Mark: Even the stuff I'm most ashamed of? The passage doesn't spell out every case, but it says by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Sarah: I don't have every answer, but I know this. I've got my own list, and I'm still not good enough. The passage says we've been sanctified through Jesus' offering.

Mark: Okay. So what do I do with that? I don't want to just pretend everything's fine.

Sarah: No pretending. The passage doesn't say what to pray, but you could simply tell God the truth, even if it's only, God, I want to know you. And I'm always here to talk, too.

Sarah: Tonight, be honest with God about whatever you're carrying.