"We Need Not Offer Anything for Forgiveness"

We Need Not Offer Anything for Forgiveness

“This is the covenant that I will make with them…” — Hebrews 10:16
“And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” — Hebrews 10:17
“Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.” — Hebrews 10:18
In the Old Testament, people continually offered animal sacrifices to God for the forgiveness of their sins. The animals were slaughtered, and their blood was offered on the altar on behalf of those bringing the sacrifice. This process continued day after day, month after month, and year after year.
But for those who have made Jesus Christ the Savior and Lord of their lives, no additional sacrifice is needed for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus Christ became the final sacrifice. His blood took the place of the blood of animals offered under the old covenant.
The blood of Jesus does not merely cover our sins; through His sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are made new. Jesus will not die again. There will never be another sacrifice for sin. It is finished.
After receiving salvation, if you sin again—and you will fall short—you do not need another sacrifice to obtain forgiveness. Instead, you repent, confess your sin to God, and receive the forgiveness He has already made available through Jesus Christ. Because of His loving-kindness and grace, we can walk in the assurance of His forgiveness.
The word translated “these things” in verse 18 comes from the Greek word houtos. It is used many times throughout the New Testament and is translated in various ways depending on the context. The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, helps bring out the meaning of this passage:
“Now where there is absolute remission (forgiveness and cancellation of the penalty) of these [sins and lawbreaking], there is no longer any offering made to atone for sin.”
Verse 17 identifies “these things” as sins and lawless deeds. Jesus’ sacrifice dealt completely with the problem of sin. His sacrifice was sufficient once and for all. There is no need for another sacrifice.
Some teach that if you sin after salvation, you must be saved all over again. Scripture does not teach that Christ must be sacrificed repeatedly. Hebrews presents His sacrifice as complete and sufficient—once for all.
Under the old covenant, when a person brought an animal for sacrifice, the worshiper would lay hands on the animal, symbolically identifying with the sacrifice. The animal served as a substitute as the person sought forgiveness and cleansing before God. But those sacrifices could never accomplish permanently what Jesus would ultimately accomplish.
Jesus became the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. As Scripture says:
“We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” — Hebrews 10:10
Jesus did what no animal sacrifice could ever do. His sacrifice does not need to be repeated. The price has been paid. The work has been completed.
So today, walk in His forgiveness and grace. You do not have to live continually trying to earn what Jesus has already purchased for you. Receive His forgiveness, turn from sin, and live confidently in the grace made available through Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have already completed the ultimate sacrifice for my sins, and no additional sacrifice will ever be needed. I am redeemed, forgiven, washed clean, and set free in You.
Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You that I do not have to earn Your forgiveness or attempt to pay a debt that You have already paid in full. Help me to walk today in the freedom, grace, and forgiveness You have given me.
I glorify You for who You are and for all You have done for me.
In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.