What an object for our souls! “But this Man!” This Man, the Lord Jesus, is in contrast to every priest who “stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins” (Heb. 10:11). The writer of the Book of Hebrews has set this Man before us throughout this book; in this passage we focus on the work that this Man has accomplished at the cross.

In Hebrews 9:28 we read, “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

This Man accomplished something that no other priest in the history of the Levitical priesthood could accomplish: He finished the work. He made the final and greatest sacrifice for sin, the sacrifice of Himself. After offering Himself, He was then able to sit down; His work was finished! When He finished the work, by which God is satisfied, the Father has said to Him, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool” (Ps. 110:1). He has gained the victory and now has been exalted! As a result of His victory, those who turn to Him for salvation are perfected forever. We are complete in Him (Col. 2:10).

How do we know that we have a perfect standing before God? “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us … ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’ Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin” (Heb. 10:15–18).