Hebrews 10:1-18
The need for a repetition again and again of the sacrifices of the old covenant showed that they were ineffective. Indeed they were rather a remembrance of sins (v. 3). The righteousness of God was not satisfied – still less could He take pleasure in them. Then One presented Himself to take our cause upon Himself. The Lord Jesus alone was the Object of the Father’s good pleasure; He alone could be the accepted sacrifice, the holy Victim offered "once for all". Whereas the earthly priests remained standing, because their service was never finished, Christ sat down, the proof that His work was complete. And He who sat down for ever has made us perfect for ever. Yes, perfect, for this is how God sees us, our sins having been washed away. This is not in the future; it is a finished and final thing. But let us not forget that the work done for us is accompanied by a present work in us. The Lord wants to put His love and His commandments in each of our hearts (cf. v. 16; Hebrews 8:10). Having said to the Father on coming into the world, "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart", He now desires His own to be like Him (vv. 7, 9; Psalms 40:6-8).