because by a single offeringThis phrase highlights the sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice. In the context of the Old Testament, the sacrificial system required repeated offerings for sin (Leviticus 16). However, Jesus' single offering on the cross fulfills and surpasses these sacrifices (
Hebrews 9:12). This reflects the prophecy in
Isaiah 53:10-12, where the suffering servant makes a single offering for sin. The concept of a single, all-sufficient sacrifice was revolutionary, contrasting with the continual sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood.
He has made perfect
The term "made perfect" refers to the complete and total efficacy of Christ's sacrifice in achieving what the law could not. In the Greek, "teleioō" implies bringing to completion or fulfillment. This perfection is not about moral flawlessness but about being fully equipped and complete in standing before God. This connects toHebrews 7:19, where the law made nothing perfect, but a better hope is introduced through Christ.
for all time
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ's work. Unlike the temporary atonement provided by animal sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice has everlasting effects. This aligns with the concept of the New Covenant prophesied inJeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a lasting relationship with His people. The eternal aspect of Christ's sacrifice assures believers of their secure position in Him, as seen inJohn 10:28, where Jesus speaks of giving eternal life to His followers.
those who are being sanctified
Sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes. This ongoing process is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The phrase indicates that while believers are positionally sanctified through Christ's sacrifice, they are also progressively being sanctified in their daily lives. This dual aspect of sanctification is seen inPhilippians 2:12-13, where believers are called to work out their salvation as God works in them. The present participle "being sanctified" suggests a continuous action, highlighting the transformative journey of the Christian life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this verse, Jesus is the one who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His role as the High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb is crucial to understanding the passage.
2.
The OfferingRefers to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. This single offering is contrasted with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament.
3.
The SanctifiedBelievers who are being made holy through the work of Christ. This ongoing process of sanctification is a key theme in the verse.
4.
The Old Covenant SacrificesThe context of the passage contrasts the repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant with the single, sufficient sacrifice of Christ.
5.
The New CovenantThe new relationship between God and humanity established through Jesus' sacrifice, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant.
Teaching Points
The Sufficiency of Christ's SacrificeChrist's single offering is sufficient for all time, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Believers can rest in the assurance of their salvation.
The Process of SanctificationWhile believers are made perfect in their standing before God, they are also in the process of being sanctified. This dual reality calls for a life of ongoing spiritual growth and holiness.
The Assurance of SalvationThe verse provides assurance that those who are in Christ are eternally secure. This assurance should lead to a life of gratitude and obedience.
Living in the New CovenantUnderstanding the New Covenant should transform how believers live, emphasizing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The Call to HolinessAs those who are being sanctified, believers are called to pursue holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:14?
2.How does Hebrews 10:14 assure us of our sanctification through Christ's sacrifice?
3.What does "perfected for all time" mean for believers' daily spiritual walk?
4.How does Hebrews 10:14 connect to the Old Testament sacrificial system?
5.In what ways can we live out being "made perfect" in our communities?
6.How does this verse encourage perseverance in faith despite life's challenges?
7.How does Hebrews 10:14 define the concept of perfection in Christian theology?
8.What does Hebrews 10:14 imply about the nature of sanctification?
9.How does Hebrews 10:14 relate to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 10?
11.If Hebrews 10:14 says believers are perfected forever by one sacrifice, why do Christians still sin and need ongoing forgiveness?
12.What is lacking in Christ's afflictions?
13.What defines being a living sacrifice?
14.What is the concept of the Treasury of Merit?What Does Hebrews 10:14 Mean
BecauseHebrews 10:14 opens with “because,” tying it to verses 11-13, where the writer contrasts priests who “stand daily” with Christ who “sat down at the right hand of God” after finishing His work.
• This word answers why Jesus can rest and why His people can be confident: His sacrifice accomplished what endless animal offerings never could (Hebrews 10:11-12).
• The logic is simple—Christ’s completed work explains all that follows in verse 14.
By a single offering“By one sacrifice” spotlights the uniqueness of the cross.
• Unlike priests who offered “again and again” (Hebrews 7:27), Jesus offered Himself “once for all at the end of the ages” (Hebrews 9:26).
•1 Peter 3:18 echoes the same theme: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous.”
• The finality of that one offering rules out any need for additional sacrifices; redemption is not a work in progress but a completed act.
He has made perfectThe result of that single offering is stunning: “He has made perfect.”
• “Made perfect” speaks of full acceptance before God (Colossians 2:10).
• Our guilt is removed and righteousness credited (2 Corinthians 5:21).
•Hebrews 7:19 shows the contrast: “the law made nothing perfect,” but Christ does.
• Because the work is finished, believers can “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).
For all timeThe perfection Christ gives is permanent.
•Hebrews 9:12 notes He “obtained eternal redemption.”
•John 19:30 rings out, “It is finished,” declaring a victory that never expires.
•Romans 8:1 therefore affirms, “There is now no condemnation,” not just until the next failure, but forever.
• This permanence anchors our hope and fuels daily perseverance.
Those who are being sanctifiedThe verse ends by identifying the beneficiaries: “those who are being sanctified.”
•Hebrews 10:10 already called us “sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
• Yet the writer now speaks of an ongoing process—“being sanctified.” Salvation is both a completed status and a continuing transformation (Philippians 1:6).
•1 Corinthians 6:11 illustrates the same tension: “you were washed…sanctified…justified,” yet believers still grow in holiness.
• Christ’s finished work guarantees our standing; the Spirit’s present work shapes our daily lives.
summaryHebrews 10:14 weaves together the entire gospel in one sentence: one decisive sacrifice by Jesus secures perfect standing forever for people whom God is actively shaping into Christ’s likeness. The cross is complete, its benefits are permanent, and its recipients are continually transformed—steady reasons to rest in Christ and pursue holiness with confidence.
(14) No repetition of His offering is needed, for by one offering He hath brought all unto "perfection," and that "for ever." In
Hebrews 7:11 we have read that "perfection" did not come through the Levitical priesthood or through the law (
Hebrews 10:19); the object of man's hopes and of all priestly service has at last been attained, since through the "great High Priest" "we draw nigh to God" (
Hebrews 7:19). In this is involved salvation to the uttermost (
Hebrews 7:25). The last word of this verse has occurred before, in
Hebrews 2:11. As was there explained, it literally means those who
are being sanctified,all those who, from age to age, through faith (
Hebrews 10:22) receive as their own that which has been procured for all men. . . .
Verse 14. -
For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. The tense of the participle
ἁγιαζομένους, instead of as ver.
ἡγιασμένους, in 10, does not involve a different sense of the verb, viz. the ordinary one associated with the word "sanctify." When it was necessary to express by the word itself the accomplishment of sanctification in the sense intended, the perfect participle was used; here the subjects of the same sanctification are denoted, the accomplishment being expressed by
τετελείωκε (cf.
οἱ ἁγιαζομένοι,
Hebrews 2:11). The meaning of
τετελείωκε ("hath perfected") may be taken as ruled by
τοὺς ἁγιαζομένους: hath perfected them as
ἁγίοι, done all that was required for their being such, without any need of any further offering (cf.
supra,
Hebrews 10:1).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
becauseγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.by a singleμιᾷ(mia)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.offeringπροσφορᾷ(prosphora)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4376:An offering, sacrifice. From prosphero; presentation; concretely, an oblation or sacrifice.He has made perfectτετελείωκεν(teteleiōken)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5048:From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.all timeδιηνεκὲς(diēnekes)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1336:Neuter of a compound of dia and a derivative of an alternate of phero; carried through, i.e. perpetually.those whoτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.are sanctified.ἁγιαζομένους(hagiazomenous)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 37:From hagios; to make holy, i.e. purify or consecrate; to venerate.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he has perfected (Heb. He. Hb)