Never saddle a dead horse.
This is actually a metaphoric axiom of the cable rigging industry. So, I’m willing to bet Jesus never used it.
But, in the context of forgiveness, it’s a critical principle to remember, because His work on the cross is finished and nothing I can do will ever change that or improve upon it:
“For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need to offer up sacrifices daily like those high priests—first, for His [Jesus’] own sins, and then, for the sins of the people, since this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” [Heb.7:26-27] [my emphasis]
[ἐφάπαξ: (ê-fâ’-pâx) once for all time; at one time]
Because when it comes to the Man, Jesus the Christ, having sacrificed Himself for me that I might find forgiveness before God, the Father, it’s a done deal. The transaction is complete. I now already have the forgiveness needed to have fellowship with Him and the Father. It’s not only not necessary to ask for forgiveness again, it’s insulting.
Like His work wasn’t quite good enough for my standards.
So, it’s crucial to understand how I can continue to remain a faithful disciple of Christ in the sanctification process and “work out my salvation with fear and trembling” [Phil.2:12] in this age if I stumble—because I will. And the author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds the reader where the shower room is:
“…and since we have a great priest [Jesus Christ] over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” [Heb.10:21-23]
If I claim to be a disciple of Christ, my decision to have done that is what sealed the Lord’s name on me. [see: Eph.:13-14] It’s as if He bought me at the sale barn and His brand will never come off. I’ll always belong to Him. He can’t buy me again.
He can, however, cleanse me, care for me, and teach me.
But forgiving me again?
That’s a dead horse I ain’t gonna beat.
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Heb.4:16]
Leave a Comment
Last Updated: July 19, 2026 by cjournalme
Cleansing is the Key
Never saddle a dead horse.
This is actually a metaphoric axiom of the cable rigging industry. So, I’m willing to bet Jesus never used it.
But, in the context of forgiveness, it’s a critical principle to remember, because His work on the cross is finished and nothing I can do will ever change that or improve upon it:
“For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need to offer up sacrifices daily like those high priests—first, for His [Jesus’] own sins, and then, for the sins of the people, since this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” [Heb.7:26-27] [my emphasis]
[ἐφάπαξ: (ê-fâ’-pâx) once for all time; at one time]
Because when it comes to the Man, Jesus the Christ, having sacrificed Himself for me that I might find forgiveness before God, the Father, it’s a done deal. The transaction is complete. I now already have the forgiveness needed to have fellowship with Him and the Father. It’s not only not necessary to ask for forgiveness again, it’s insulting.
Like His work wasn’t quite good enough for my standards.
So, it’s crucial to understand how I can continue to remain a faithful disciple of Christ in the sanctification process and “work out my salvation with fear and trembling” [Phil.2:12] in this age if I stumble—because I will. And the author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds the reader where the shower room is:
“…and since we have a great priest [Jesus Christ] over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” [Heb.10:21-23]
If I claim to be a disciple of Christ, my decision to have done that is what sealed the Lord’s name on me. [see: Eph.:13-14] It’s as if He bought me at the sale barn and His brand will never come off. I’ll always belong to Him. He can’t buy me again.
He can, however, cleanse me, care for me, and teach me.
But forgiving me again?
That’s a dead horse I ain’t gonna beat.
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Heb.4:16]
Category: Uncategorized
Recent Posts
Past Articles
Categories