Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice

(Psalm 40:1–17)

10 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. The same sacrifices offered year after year can never[fn] make perfect those who draw near [ to worship ]. 2 [If it could], would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once [for all], [and] would no longer have felt the guilt of [their] sins.

3 Instead, those [sacrifices] [are] an annual reminder of sins, 4 because [it is] impossible [for the] blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when [Christ] came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,

but a body You prepared for Me.

6 In burnt offerings and sin [offerings]

You took no delight.

7 Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in [the] scroll:

I have come to do Your will, O God.’ ”[fn]

8 [ In the passage ] above He says, “Sacrifice and offering,[fn] burnt offerings and sin [offerings] You did not desire, nor did You delight in [them]” ( [although] they are offered according to the law). 9 Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will, O God.[fn]” He takes away the first to establish the second. 10 [And] by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But [when] this [Priest] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at [the] right hand of God. 13 Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, 14 because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us {about this}. [First] He says:

16 “This [is] the covenant I will make with them

after those days, declares [the] Lord.

I will put My laws in their hearts

and inscribe them on their minds.”[fn]

17 [Then He adds]:

“Their sins and lawless acts

I will remember no more.”[fn]

18 And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin [is] no longer [ needed ].