Christ's Sacrifice Once for All

(Psalm 147:1-20; Romans 3:1-8)

1For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, by the selfsame sacrifices which they offer continually every year, can never make the comers thereunto perfect. 2For then they would have ceased to be offered: because the worshippers once cleansed should have no conscience of sin any longer. 3But in them there is made a commemoration of sins every year: 4For it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away.

5Wherefore, when he cometh into the world he saith: Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldest not: but a body thou hast fitted to me.

6Holocausts for sin did not please thee.

7Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of me: that I should do thy will, O God.

8In saying before, Sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to thee, which are offered according to the law. 9Then said I: Behold, I come to do thy will, O God: He taketh away the first, that he may establish that which followeth. 10In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once.

11And every priest indeed standeth daily ministering and often offering the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. 12But this man, offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sitteth on the right hand of God, 13From henceforth expecting until his enemies be made his footstool. 14For by one oblation he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15And the Holy Ghost also doth testify this to us. For after that he said:

16And this is the testament which I will make unto them after those days, saith the Lord. I will give my laws in their hearts and on their minds will I write them:

17And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.

18Now, where there is a remission of these, there is no more an oblation for sin.

A Call to Persevere

(Jude 1:17-23)

19Having therefore, brethren, a confidence in the entering into the holies by the blood of Christ: 20A new and living way which he hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh: 21And a high priest over the house of God: 22Let us draw near with a true heart, in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with clean water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised): 24And let us consider one another, to provoke unto charity and to good works: 25Not forsaking our assembly, as some are accustomed: but comforting one anther, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

26For if we sin wilfully after having the knowledge of the truth, there is now left no sacrifice for sins: 27But a certain dreadful expectation of judgment, and the rage of a fire which shall consume the adversaries. 28A man making void the law of Moses dieth without any mercy under two or three witnesses: 29How much more, do you think he deserveth worse punishments, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath esteemed the blood of the testament unclean, by which he was sanctified, and hath offered an affront to the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said: Vengeance belongeth to me, and I will repay. And again: The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32But call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions. 33And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort. 34For you both had compassion on them that were in bands and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance. 35Do not therefore lose your confidence which hath a great reward. 36For patience is necessary for you: that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise.

37For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come will come and will not delay.

38But my just man liveth by faith: but if he withdraw himself, he shall not please my soul.

39But we are not the children of withdrawing unto perdition, but of faith to the saving of the soul.