Once

2023-01-28

The work of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf happened once; it is a historical event. Think of the term meaning “once for all.” What might seem like a benign term is very significant. Consider this word usage. First, let us see the word in a generic sense:

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:6)

There was a time when 500 people saw the risen Lord Jesus at a single time, rather then a few here and a few there. “Once” means a single instance.

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (Romans 6:10)

Jesus Christ died for us once for all. He does not need to continually die; His death is a historical event, never to be repeated.

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. (Hebrews 7:27)

Jesus put away our sins once for all. The record of sin has been nailed to the cross, and we have been separated from them forever.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12)

Jesus also entered into the holy place in heaven once for all. There was no need for a second time. He is still in heaven at the Father’s right hand. Our redemption was procured as a historical event; we are secure in Him. Because His sacrifice was accepted by the Father, there was no need for a second, unlike every other sacrifice in history. The wrath of God was satisfied; therefore, the Lord Jesus could enter into the holy presence of the Father.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)

Because Jesus died for our sins once for all and rose and went into the holy place in heaven once for all, we are also sanctified through His work once for all. We do not get saved repeatedly. We are saved once for all. All these things are historical events.