Hebrews 10:12–18 “Atonement and Intercession”

Hebrews 10:12-18 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Austin Stone Worship – How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
• At the Cross (Love Ran Red) – Chris Tomlin
• Jesus Culture – Break Every Chain

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Why Did Jesus Die? (A Super Simple Explanation for Kids) | Bible Stories for Kids
• I am a C-CH-CHRISTIAN… | Listener Kids – Song for Kids
• MFF You Forgive Me – Song for Kids
• Power in the Blood | Jerusalem Marketplace VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The sacrifices offered with the blood of animals cannot take away sin. However, the “one-time, eternal, and effective sacrifice” (v. 12) offered by Christ can. A perfect sacrifice does not need to be repeated. After offering the perfect sacrifice on the cross, Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God.” This is a personified expression that means he dwells in an intimate relationship with God the Father. Earlier, the author stated, “He always lives to intercede for them” (7:25). Even after returning to his place with God, he continues the work of salvation.

The author then borrows the expression from Psalm 110:1, saying that Christ is “waiting until His enemies are made His footstool” (v. 13). Here, “enemies” refers to Satan and his forces. The Apostle John sees a vision of Satan’s kingdom being judged before the new heaven and new earth arrive (Revelation 20:7–15). The phrase “He is waiting” does not mean he is doing nothing. Instead, he continues to work through the Holy Spirit.

At this point, the author quotes Jeremiah 31:33–34 (vv. 15–17). What Jesus has done fulfills the promise of the new covenant foretold through Jeremiah. The new covenant differs from the old covenant in two ways. First, while the old covenant was written on stone tablets, the new covenant is written on the heart (“I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds”). Second, while the old covenant had only temporary effectiveness, the new covenant has eternal power (“I will remember their sins no more”).

Now, the perfect covenant has come. No further sacrifice is needed (v. 18).

Meditation:

The sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered on the cross is a “one-time, eternally effective sacrifice” (v. 12). Because of that sacrifice, there is no person who cannot be forgiven, and no sin that cannot be forgiven. His atoning sacrifice is sufficient to redeem the sins of all people—past, present, and future—and it is sufficient to redeem the past, present, and future sins of everyone. Therefore, when we sin again after accepting Jesus Christ as Lord, there is no need to offer another atoning sacrifice to deal with that sin. To do so would be to imply that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not enough. In such a case, what is needed is not another sacrifice, but another sincere repentance.

Some people interpret the “fullness of Christ’s atonement” in a mechanical way, saying, “Since Jesus already forgave all my past, present, and future sins on the cross, no matter what sins I commit in the future, my salvation cannot be lost.” However, after coming to faith, we should become more sensitive to sin, not less so. This kind of thinking leads people to take sin lightly. It results from focusing only on Christ’s atoning work while neglecting His ongoing work of intercession. The Lord, who resolved all the sins of humanity on the cross, now makes “intercession” (7:25) for believers at the right hand of God.

Those who have been cleansed of their sins by the grace of Jesus Christ’s blood and restored as children of God must never forget and live in light of the Lord, who is making “intercession” at the right hand of God. The Lord intercedes so that we, as believers, may live truly and holy lives as God’s children. If we truly remember the Lord who always intercedes for us, we cannot treat sin casually or act as though nothing has happened when we fall into sin. Instead, we must beat our chest in repentance, grieving over our shortcomings that have made the Lord’s atonement and intercession seem in vain.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for offering the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins. Thank you also for the grace of always interceding for us at the right hand of God. Help us to remember that precious grace and to live today according to your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus gave his life for us once and for all, and he still prays for us every day. Because of his love, we can live with confidence, ask for forgiveness when we sin, and grow to be more like him.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • How does it feel to know that Jesus still prays for you every day?
  • What can you do when you make a mistake or do something wrong?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • The Bible says Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was “once for all.” What does that mean to you personally?
  • Why do you think some people take God’s forgiveness for granted?
• For High School
  • How does knowing that Jesus is praying for you change the way you think about your life right now?
  • When you sin or mess up, do you feel like you must “make it up to God”? Why or why not?