X. 10. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the
body of Jesus Christ _once for all_.”
X. 12. “But this man, after he had offered _one_ sacrifice for sins, for
ever sat down on the right hand of God.”
X. 14. “For by _one_ offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
sanctified.”
If there were any possibility of mistaking these plain and oft repeated
words, even that would be removed by the slightest glance at the pointed
argument in which we find them. The Apostle is drawing a contrast
between the gospel and the law; between the priesthood of Christ and that
of the sons of Levi. Now mark the especial point of contrast; their
sacrifices being imperfect require frequent repetition, his being perfect
was made once, and for ever, upon the cross.
IX. 25 and 26. “Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the High
Priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for
then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world, but
now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the
sacrifice of himself.” The whole argument turns upon the impossibility
of repetition in the sacrifice of our Lord. If that can be repeated the
whole contrast falls to the ground.
There is, therefore, the most complete, clear, and explicit proof that
Christ could be no more offered, and that propitiation could be no more
made for sin. Yea, verily, so complete is that perfect work already
finished by Christ as our substitute; so perfect is that satisfaction
which he made upon the cross for the sins of man, that if the whole of
that sad scene were once more enacted upon Calvary; if the crown of
thorns were once more placed on his head; if his holy frame were once
more broken and bowed down by death; neither his agony nor death could
avail one jot, or one tittle, to the blotting out of one single sinner’s
sin. Who can whiten that which is already white as snow? What can
cleanse the garment that is already washed in the Lamb’s most precious
blood? Who can take away the curse which is already blotted out for
ever? What new atonement, what second sacrifice, what fresh victim, can
avail anything to the perfect acceptance of that believer’s soul who is
already made the righteousness of God in Christ?
No more then of the awful thought that, that piece of bread is the very
person of our reigning Lord! No more of the tremendous principle that
there can be a second sacrifice of the sacred life of Jesus; a second
propitiation for the sins which the Son of God has borne! We will adore
our blessed Saviour himself, as he is now seated at the right hand of
God. We will adore him as our Advocate, adore him as our king, adore him
as our accepted substitute. We will trust him for his grace, we will
praise him for his glory; we will believe in the perfection of his
perfect and all sufficient-work. He has taken the burden of every sin
for which conscience ever can condemn us. He has endured the curse of
every transgression of which Satan ever can accuse us. He has washed
unto spotless whiteness the most sin-stained garment of his most
sin-polluted child. So scorning the thought of any second sacrifice, we
will go direct to Christ himself; and there in faith lie waiting before
his footstool, feeding on his grace, rejoicing in his love, triumphing in
his power, till he come again in glory and welcome to his kingdom the
whole multitude of his ransomed saints. Even so, come Lord Jesus!! Come
quickly.
SERMON V.
THE CHURCH IN THE LATTER DAYS.