Embracing Christ: The Better Sacrifice for Redemption
Summary
In a world where fame is fleeting and the “good old days” are often remembered with rose-colored glasses, there is One whose renown is everlasting—Jesus Christ, the famous One, whose sacrifice changes everything. As we gather, we’re reminded that our longing for the past can sometimes cloud our vision of the future God has secured for us through Christ. The book of Hebrews draws a sharp contrast between the old covenant sacrificial system and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, urging us not to look back with nostalgia, but to embrace the better reality we have now.
The old sacrifices, though God-ordained, were only shadows—faint outlines of the true solution to our sin. They were imperfect, unable to make anyone truly righteous, and served as constant reminders of guilt rather than providing real cleansing. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin; their repetition only highlighted the insufficiency and unending nature of the old system. These sacrifices were involuntary, impersonal, and ultimately deficient, pointing forward to a greater need—a true substitute who could fully reconcile us to God.
In Christ, all the promises of God are fulfilled. His sacrifice is voluntary, perfect, and final. Jesus willingly laid down His life, becoming the true substitute for us, bearing our sins in His body on the cross. Through His once-for-all offering, we are not only forgiven but also sanctified—set apart and made holy. This sanctification is both a completed work and an ongoing process, as the Holy Spirit continues to transform us into Christ’s likeness.
Because of Jesus’ finished work, we can say goodbye to the shadows of the old covenant, to the power of Satan, to the dominion of sin, and even to the finality of death. The resurrection of Christ assures us that death has lost its sting, and we now live in the power and security of His victory. Our confidence is not in our own efforts or rituals, but in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, which grants us access to God, assurance of forgiveness, and hope for the future.
As we remember and proclaim this better sacrifice, we are called to draw near to God with full assurance, to hold fast to our hope, and to encourage one another as we await the day of Christ’s return. In Christ alone, we stand—secure, forgiven, and transformed.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Covenant Sacrifices Were Only Shadows
The sacrifices of the old covenant were never meant to be the ultimate solution for sin. They were mere silhouettes, reminders of guilt, and could not make anyone perfect or truly righteous before God. Their repetition highlighted humanity’s ongoing need for a better sacrifice, pointing forward to Christ as the fulfillment of what they only foreshadowed. [45:58]
- Christ’s Sacrifice Is Voluntary, Perfect, and Final
Unlike the involuntary and impersonal animal sacrifices, Jesus willingly offered Himself as the true substitute. His sacrifice was not only sufficient to cover all sin—past, present, and future—but also marked the end of the sacrificial system. The finality of His work is seen in His sitting down at the right hand of God, declaring, “It is finished.” [01:06:16]
- Sanctification: A Completed and Ongoing Work
Through Christ’s offering, believers are declared holy—sanctified once for all. Yet, sanctification is also an ongoing process, as the Holy Spirit continues to shape us into Christ’s image. This dual reality calls us to examine whether our lives reflect the transformation Christ has accomplished and to pursue growth in grace and obedience. [01:07:33]
- Freedom from Guilt, Sin, and Death
The sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice means that God remembers our sins no more. We are freed from the endless cycle of guilt and the dominion of sin. Even death, once our greatest enemy, has been defeated; we now face it not with fear, but with the hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ. [01:13:06]
- Living in the Assurance and Power of Christ
With the old system behind us, we are invited to draw near to God with confidence, holding fast to our hope without wavering. Our lives are anchored in the finished work of Christ, empowering us to encourage one another, live out our faith, and look forward to the day when all things are made new. [01:14:04]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Announcements and Special Guests
[05:30] - Prayer for Worship and Missionaries
[13:45] - Introduction: Longing for the Good Old Days
[19:30] - Hebrews: Jesus Is Better
[23:50] - The Shadows of the Old Covenant
[29:40] - The Deficiency of Old Sacrifices
[35:18] - Prayer: The Lion and the Lamb
[38:00] - The Impossibility of Animal Sacrifices
[45:58] - Reminders of Guilt and the Need for a Better Sacrifice
[51:32] - The Inadequacy of Substitution in the Old System
[54:48] - Christ’s Sacrifice: Sufficient and Complete
[57:08] - Promises Fulfilled in the New Covenant
[01:02:10] - Sanctification: Once for All and Ongoing
[01:09:05] - Forgiveness and Freedom in Christ
[01:13:06] - Victory Over Death
[01:18:17] - Communion: Remembering the Better Sacrifice
[01:21:11] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[01:22:00] - Communion and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Better Sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10)
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### Bible Reading
Hebrews 10:1-18 (ESV)
> 1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
> 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?
> 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.
> 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
> 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
> “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
> but a body have you prepared for me;
> 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
> you have taken no pleasure.
> 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
> as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”
> 8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law),
> 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second.
> 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
> 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
> 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
> 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.
> 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
> 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,
> 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
> after those days, declares the Lord:
> I will put my laws on their hearts,
> and write them on their minds,”
> 17 then he adds,
> “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
> 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:1-4, what was the purpose of the old covenant sacrifices, and what were their limitations?
2. What does the passage say about Jesus’ attitude toward offering Himself as a sacrifice? (see verses 7-10)
3. How does the author of Hebrews describe the difference between the work of the priests under the old covenant and the work of Jesus? (see verses 11-14)
4. In the sermon, what are some things the pastor says we can “say goodbye to” because of Jesus’ sacrifice? [[01:11:13]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God set up a sacrificial system that was only a “shadow” and not the real solution for sin? What does this teach us about God’s plan and timing? [[45:58]]
2. The sermon says that Jesus’ sacrifice was voluntary, perfect, and final. Why is it important that Jesus willingly laid down His life, rather than being forced? How does this change the way we view His love for us? [[59:39]]
3. The passage and sermon both talk about sanctification as something that is “once for all” and also “ongoing.” How can both be true at the same time? What does this mean for how we live day to day? [[01:07:33]]
4. The pastor mentioned that the old sacrifices were constant reminders of guilt, but Jesus’ sacrifice brings real forgiveness and freedom. How does this change the way a believer relates to guilt and shame? [[01:09:05]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor talked about longing for the “good old days” and how nostalgia can cloud our vision of what God has for us now and in the future. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to look back instead of forward? How might this affect your faith? [[13:45]]
2. The old sacrifices were repeated over and over, but Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all.” Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s forgiveness or approval through your own efforts or rituals? What would it look like to rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work this week? [[50:08]]
3. The sermon says that because of Jesus, we can say goodbye to guilt, sin, and even the fear of death. Is there a specific area where you still feel stuck in guilt or fear? What would it look like to bring that to Jesus and trust in His victory? [[01:13:06]]
4. Sanctification is both a completed work and an ongoing process. In what ways do you see God changing you to be more like Christ? Is there an area where you want to see more growth? How can the group encourage you in this? [[01:07:33]]
5. The pastor encouraged us to “draw near to God with confidence” because of Jesus’ sacrifice. What keeps you from approaching God with confidence? How can you remind yourself of your access to God this week? [[01:14:04]]
6. The sermon calls us to encourage one another and hold fast to our hope as we wait for Christ’s return. Who is someone in your life who needs encouragement right now? What is one practical way you can encourage them this week? [[01:14:04]]
7. The pastor mentioned that Jesus’ sacrifice should change our present thinking, behaviors, and our view of the future. Is there a specific way you need to let the truth of Jesus’ finished work shape your decisions or attitude this week? [[01:17:12]]
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Close in prayer, thanking God for the better sacrifice of Jesus and asking for help to live in the freedom, confidence, and hope He provides.
Devotional
Day 1: Christ’s Sacrifice Is Superior and Sufficient
The old covenant sacrifices were only a shadow of the good things to come, unable to truly cleanse or perfect those who drew near. They served as constant reminders of sin, but could never remove guilt or provide lasting peace with God. In contrast, Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice is complete, final, and fully sufficient—changing our standing before God, our present thinking, and our eternal future. Because of Jesus, we no longer need to return to the old ways or try to earn our righteousness; His finished work is enough for all time. [35:18]
Hebrews 10:1-4 (ESV)
For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you still trying to “earn” God’s favor or forgiveness, rather than resting in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice? What would it look like to let go of that striving today?
Day 2: The Old Covenant Could Not Remove Guilt
The repeated sacrifices of the old covenant could only remind people of their sinfulness, never truly removing guilt or making them right with God. Each offering was a temporary measure, pointing to a deeper need for a true and lasting solution. The law and its rituals exposed the reality of our brokenness, but could not heal it; only Christ’s sacrifice could do what the blood of animals never could—take away sin and bring real forgiveness. [47:03]
Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Reflection: When you are reminded of past sins or failures, how can you remind yourself of the complete forgiveness and righteousness you have in Christ?
Day 3: Jesus’ Sacrifice Brings Cleansing and Lasting Forgiveness
Unlike the old sacrifices, Jesus’ offering brings true cleansing and forgiveness for all sins—past, present, and future. His blood is powerful enough to wash away every stain, and His work on the cross means that you can stand before God without fear or shame. This forgiveness is not partial or temporary; it is total and eternal, freeing you from the burden of guilt and the need for repeated rituals. [58:20]
1 John 1:7, 9 (ESV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ... If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection: Is there a sin or regret you keep bringing back to God, unsure if you’re truly forgiven? How can you embrace the reality of Christ’s complete cleansing today?
Day 4: Christ’s Sacrifice Is Once for All—Final and Unending
Jesus’ sacrifice is not only perfect, but also final—never needing to be repeated. He offered Himself willingly, sat down at the right hand of God, and declared, “It is finished.” This means your redemption is secure, your future is anchored, and nothing can separate you from His love. You can say goodbye to the endless cycle of guilt, fear, and striving, and rest in the eternal redemption Christ has secured for you. [01:04:55]
Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV)
But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Reflection: What would it look like for you to live today with the confidence that your forgiveness and future are already secured by Christ’s finished work?
Day 5: Christ’s Sacrifice Changes Our Present and Our Future
Because of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice, you can say goodbye to the shadows of the old covenant, to guilt, to the power of sin, to fear of death, and even to the enemy’s accusations. You are invited to live in the freedom, hope, and assurance that Christ’s victory brings—knowing that death has lost its sting and your destiny is secure in Him. Let this truth shape your daily life, your relationships, and your outlook on the future, as you stand in the power of Christ. [01:13:06]
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV)
When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection: How does knowing that Christ has defeated sin, death, and the enemy change the way you face challenges, fears, or uncertainties today?
Quotes
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