Meaning of Hebrews 10:10

This verse, Hebrews 10:10, articulates a foundational truth of Christian theology: the definitive and complete sanctification of believers accomplished through the singular, atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The phrase "by that will" refers back to God's eternal plan, established before the creation of the world, to save humanity. This divine will is not a passive wish but an active decree that initiated and sustained the redemptive work of Christ. The efficacy of this sacrifice is highlighted by its finality, indicated by "once for all," signifying that no further sacrifices are needed or possible for atonement and purification. The term "made holy" (Greek: hagiazō) denotes being set apart for God's purposes, cleansed from sin, and brought into a righteous standing before Him, a transformation that is a direct result of Christ's obedient offering of His body on the cross.

Context and Background

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians who were under immense pressure to revert to the Old Covenant sacrificial system, which involved repeated offerings for sin. The author of Hebrews consistently argues for the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Levitical system. Chapters 8-10 meticulously detail how the Old Covenant was a shadow or foreshadowing of the realities found in Christ. The author has been contrasting the temporary and imperfect sacrifices of animals with the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Jesus. Therefore, Hebrews 10:10 serves as a powerful affirmation of the finished work of Christ, directly addressing the inadequacy of the old system and presenting the new covenant reality.

Key Themes and Messages

• God's Will: The verse emphasizes that our salvation and sanctification are rooted in God's sovereign and predetermined will, not in human merit or effort.
• Christ's Sacrifice: The central message is the absolute sufficiency and finality of Jesus Christ's physical sacrifice. His body was the offering, and its offering was a singular event with eternal consequences.
• Sanctification: We are "made holy" not by our own actions but by God's grace through Christ's work. This holiness is both positional (declared righteous) and progressive (growing in Christlikeness).
• Once for All: This phrase underscores the perfection and completion of Christ's atonement. It contrasts sharply with the repeated sacrifices required under the Old Covenant.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Hebrews 10:10 is immense. It provides believers with assurance of their salvation and their standing before God. Because Christ's sacrifice is complete, our sins are fully atoned for, and we are declared righteous. This understanding liberates believers from the anxiety of trying to earn God's favor through works or rituals. The application lies in living out this newfound holiness. Being set apart means living a life that reflects God's character, marked by obedience, love, and service, not out of obligation to earn salvation, but out of gratitude for it.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a capstone in the biblical narrative of redemption. It fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. It is the culmination of the sacrificial system, which pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice. In the New Testament, it is the cornerstone of the gospel message, explaining how humanity can be reconciled to God. The resurrection of Christ, the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the establishment of the Church are all direct results of this salvific event.

Analogies

• A Perfect Masterpiece: Imagine an artist who, after years of planning and effort, completes a single, perfect masterpiece that is so profound it forever changes the art world. Christ's sacrifice is that masterpiece, a singular act that eternally perfects humanity's relationship with God.
• A King's Pardon: Think of a king who, to secure lasting peace, issues a royal pardon that is absolute and covers all past offenses, requiring no further plea or act from the recipients. Christ's sacrifice is God's absolute pardon for humanity.
• A Bridge Completed: The Old Covenant sacrifices were like building a bridge, but it was never quite finished and always needed repairs. Christ's sacrifice is the completed bridge, perfectly and permanently connecting humanity to God.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights the divine love and gift of His Son, which is the basis for the sacrifice mentioned in Hebrews 10:10.
• Romans 5:8-9: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be justified by him, through whom we have been reconciled to God!" This passage directly links Christ's death (blood) to our justification, echoing the "made holy" aspect.
• 1 Peter 3:18: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit." This verse reinforces the "once for all" nature of Christ's suffering and its purpose to bring us to God.
• Ephesians 5:25-27: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." This highlights the purpose and result of Christ's sacrifice for the Church – making her holy.