The Endurance Found in Sanctification (Part 1)

I have recently been walking through Hebrews and it has been a very instructive and encouraging time, inspiring me to write these next two posts on what I've been learning the past few days. Hebrews 10 gives a powerful representation of the gospel.  I suggest you just read over that entire chapter before continuing with this post because it is surely not one to miss (though none of the Bible is, but you get the point). While reading through this passage, three words stood out me that I wanted to share thoughts on: sanctification, perfection, and endurance. This chapter focuses on the abolishment of the old covenant and the establishment of the new covenant with Christ. A very beautiful thing to see as believers, because of how nothing before him could truly save us and forgive our sins against him, until Christ's perfect sacrifice. When describing the transition we find in v. 10: 

"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

It was through Christ's sacrifice that we have sanctification. For those who aren't familiar with this term I'll give you a definition. Sanctification means to be set apart or to be made holy. We are sanctified through Christ's single sacrifice and we are made holy through him. What greater person to do so than the most holy himself? Something not to lose sight of. 

Next, we see how this sanctification is perfect in v.14: 

"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

 We must not miss a key part of this sanctification: perfected for all time. Christ's death has perfected us forever. If we are his, we cannot lose this and though we may fall consistently, we are still perfected through him because he did it forever. Period. 

Then we find in v.36 the word endurance: 

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."

Though we have been sanctified and perfected in Christ, we are still in need of endurance until that day comes to completion. It's just an incredible truth to behold because this life may require a lot of sacrifice and hardship due to the service of our Lord but we must have endurance to survive all that comes and please him through it. We must not get burnt out after all that he has given to us through perfecting us and making us holy. Who are we in comparison to the perfect Son who suffered more that we could ever imagine? With his perfect example and his assurance of our sanctification in him forever, we can live with endurance knowing he is the reward for eternity. Let us not forget this truth in our day to day lives. Let us endure for his sake and his glory alone.