Hebrews 10:14 “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus Christ, unlike earthly high priests, was able to sit down at the right hand of God because his redemptive work at the cross paid in full for all time the debt that was owed. It would not be a yearly sacrifice – blood would not be spilled over and over again. He created, by the shedding of his blood, a new, perfect being within us. Unfortunately, while his work is completed, ours is not. There now remains a battle (sometimes referred to as a race) between the new life Christ earned for us and continuing to live in the old sinful ways in which we grew. Because the race doesn’t end while we are yet alive, it is a daily competition between the two. Sanctification, the complete surrender of our old life in favor of the new one, is a decision that happens over and over again as the one competes with the other for supremacy. While Jesus sits in heaven, the only High Priest whose job is done, we are “being” sanctified…a work in progress. Seeing this process, this marathon through to completion will require perseverance. And Christ himself will provide the strength to finish if we simply choose not to quit running.

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank you my brother for doing your part in paying my debt for me. Thank you for the new life you have bought me and the Spirit you have given me so that I might have strength to complete my race. I will run the race you have set before me, daily choosing to sacrifice my old way of doing things in favor of the way you have taught me. I will not faint or grow weary, Lord, but will persevere. That is my prayer and it is in your mighty and matchless name that I ask it – Amen