Read Hebrews 7:27 and Hebrews 10:10. How is Jesus’ sacrifice described in these passages?

 The Levitical priests — who were “many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office” (Heb. 7:23, ESV) — are contrasted with Jesus, who lives forever and has an eternal priesthood (Heb. 7:24, 25). Levitical priests “daily” (Heb. 7:27) and “every year” (Heb. 9:25) offered gifts and sacrifices “that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper” (Heb. 9:9, ESV; Heb. 10:1-4).

 Jesus, however, offered Himself “once for all” a “single sacrifice” (Heb. 10:10, 12-14, ESV) that cleanses our consciences (Heb. 9:14, Heb. 10:1-10) and puts away sin (Heb. 9:26). Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to the sacrifice of animals because Jesus was the Son of God (Heb. 7:26-28), who perfectly fulfilled God’s will (Heb. 10:5-10).

 The description of the sacrifice of Jesus as having occurred “once for all” has several important implications.

 First, Jesus’ sacrifice is perfectly effective and never to be surpassed. The sacrifices of the Levitical priests were repeated because they were not effective; otherwise “would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?” (Heb. 10:2, ESV).

 Second, all the different kinds of sacrifices of the Old Testament found their fulfillment at the cross. Thus, Jesus not only cleanses us from sin (Heb. 9:14), He also provides sanctification (Heb. 10:10-14) by putting sin away from our lives (Heb. 9:26). Before the priests could approach God in the sanctuary and minister in behalf of their fellow human beings, they had to be cleansed and sanctified, or consecrated (Leviticus 8, 9). Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us and consecrates us (Heb. 10:10-14) so that we may approach God with confidence (Heb. 10:19-23) and serve Him as “a royal priesthood” (Heb. 9:14, 1 Pet. 2:9).

 Finally, Jesus’ sacrifice also provides nourishment for our spiritual life. It provides an example that we need to observe and follow. Thus, Hebrews invites us to fix our eyes upon Jesus, especially the events of the cross, and follow His lead (Heb. 12:1-4, Heb. 13:12, 13).