Advent is a most amazing time. Every portion of Scripture read somehow becomes filtered through Advent; through the birth and completed work of Jesus.
“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.“ (Hebrews 10:10, NASB)
“But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12-14, NASB)
The two phrases which had my attention were “once for all” and “for all time.” For all time is repeated several times throughout Hebrews 10.
We are those who have been sanctified and perfected, One for all, for all time.
The writer of Hebrews then goes on:
“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (verses 19-23, NASB)
Therefore, we are to draw near and hold fast. Those are the two directives we have been given:
- We are to draw near to God in prayer. We can talk to Him 24/7 bringing all our cares, concerns, and thanks to Him.
- We are to hold fast tour faith in Him. We are not to grow weary but instead remember His faithfulness to His promises.
The Message expresses it well:
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.”
Hold fast.
Stand firm,
until He comes.
This week visit one another’s post, more than one. Give the gift of yourselves, the gift of a comment, the gift of encouragement. After all, it is Christmas.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Joanne, thank you so much for this encouragement today. I just heard a song on the radio yesterday that goes right along with your focus on Christ’s return … “Come Jesus Come” by Stephen McWhirter. I have a feeling you might enjoy it. 🙂 Hugs, friend.
This is such a beautiful time of reflection for all He had done for us, Joanne.
Draw near and hold fast. That advice holds steady all year round too! Blessings to you, Joanne.
I DO read the Bible more attentively during Advent! I want to bring the same Christ-awareness into 2024 and always!
Thank you for this inspiring message of reassurance. We are blessed that God loved us so much that the gift of love given for Christmas became the gift of salvation–infinite love. Merry Christmas, Joanne!
I love how something suddenly stands out to us from a passage we’ve read multiple times. I’m so thankful Christ’s sacrifice for us was sufficient for all time, not something that had to be repeated. “Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.” Amen!
Hold fast.
Stand firm,
until He comes. Amen!
We hold fast to a Savior who will never let go of us. What a blessing.
“One for all and for all time” This is a golden nugget I will carry in my pocket. I’m pondering the magnitude of these few little words. Thank you!
Amen Joanne! May we;
“Hold fast.
Stand firm,
until He comes.”
Blessings to you my friend,
Jennifer
Early in my walk with Christ, I attended a church that didn’t focus on Advent in any formal way. How much we missed in those years. It’s such a glorious time to contemplate these truths. Thanks for sharing them!
So beautifully spoken Joanne. I love when something jumps out at me.
Thank you so very much for your hospitality and hosting us each week. This group of friends is such a treasured gift to me.
Dear Joanne – Merry Christmas to you and yours. It’s been good for me to join this link-up and get to know you better this year. May God continue to bless your writing and your service for Him. Thank you for always drawing us closer to His loving heart.