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Once and for all

In order to emphasize the finality and completeness of His redemptive work, God used a word in Scripture multiple times that shows the perpetual validity and eternally effective nature of the sacrifice made for our sins. Paul wrote, “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all” (Rom. 6:10). Again in Hebrews, His “once for all” work is affirmed “when He offered up Himself” (7:27; 10:10) and “with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place” (9:12).

The expression “once for all” is three English words that come from one Greek word, which means, “taking place once and to the exclusion of any further occurrence.” The idea is “once and never again.” The root of this Greek word is also found in Jude 3, where “the faith” (i.e., the gospel system) is spoken of as “once for all delivered to the saints.”

Jesus died for our sins “once and for all.” There will not be another sacrifice (cf. Heb. 10:26). God’s Word has been given “once and for all.” There will not be any further revelation (cf. 2 Pet. 1:3). Thank God that we have and can know the fullness of His plan to redeem us!