Hebrews 10:14

Hebrews 10:14

Perfect but being made holy

Let’s emphasize straight away the difference between the fact that Christ has made us perfect through His sacrifice, but conversely, we are still being made holy! The first act is completed and stands forever, the second is an ongoing process. The first is what Christ has done for us, the second requires our co-operation with Him and is a journey of faith. Let’s examine each one in more detail.

We all know that the death of Jesus Christ was a “once for all” moment in human history. He cannot and will not be crucified a second time, that is not necessary, the offering has been made, the blood that secures our salvation has been shed, the righteous demands of the Law have been met. This incredible event will never be repeated, that is why there is no second chance for men and women, we either believe in Him while we have the opportunity, or we die in our sins and face God’s righteous judgements. His salvation is eternal because its effects are unrepeatable, just as Christ died once for all, so those who believe in Him are saved once for all. There are not levels of salvation, it is all or nothing!

However, our journey of faith, the transformation of our humanity to make us like Christ is a much longer process. It is a daily battle, for it is God’s will that we should be holy or set apart for Him. For all of us this takes a lifetime for we are stubborn, insubordinate creatures. If holiness was available at the flick of a switch, then the journey of faith would be a simple matter indeed. But no, every day brings new lessons, new explorations of our character and our relationship with the Lord and as each test comes and goes, so we are slowly “being made holy.” That is why our walk with the Lord becomes increasingly satisfying as we grow older, perhaps this is what Paul meant when he wrote to Timothy, “Godliness (or holiness) with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6. I hope that by the time I leave this world, I will have made some progress, don’t you? 

 

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