One and Done…

If you are a college basketball fan you know that the phrase “one and done” refers to college basketball players who play one year in college and then declare for the NBA draft.  The NBA forbids them to enter the NBA draft until one year after graduation from high school. So, most of them go to college for one year and then they are “done”.   However, there are few things in life that are “one and done”. If only cleaning the shower could be “one and done”. If only teeth cleaning could be “one and done” (not intended to put dental hygienists out of work). If only a sermon could be “one and done” (I know some of you were thinking that…). The plain truth of the matter is that bathrooms and teeth keep getting dirty.

But Jesus was truly a “One and Done” individual. Let’s read what the Bible says about Jesus’ sacrifice for sin in Hebrews 10:11-14: 1 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. The writer of Hebrews is comparing the sacrifice that Jesus made for sin with the repeated sacrifices made by the priest. Jesus’ sacrifice was one and done in that He suffered once for the sin of mankind. He doesn’t have to suffer over and over.

I suppose for me this magnifies the impact of the cross of Jesus Christ in my life. It wasn’t only for me He died once but it was for the whole world; His death is sufficient to provide atonement for all who trust in Him. Though many “one and done” NBA players turn out to be way less than expected, I’m confident, and I hope you are as well, that Jesus’ “one and done” is more than adequate to provide forgiveness for our sin. Have you received Jesus’ forgiveness for your sin? Have you thanked Him for that today? Are you willing to forgive others out of the “well” of forgiveness that He has given you?