| In Hebrews 10, the writer begins verse 19 with “therefore”. He has already argued that Christ was a better High Priest, with a better covenant, and a better sacrifice. Remember, the Jewish people spent their entire lives being reminded that their sins were not fully atoned for. They made daily and annual sacrifices for their sins. Hebrews 10:12 says, “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” Verse 17 says, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Verse 19 says, “since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…” The word “enter” is not just permission to enter, but a welcome; a new and living access into God’s immediate presence! This was a radical concept for a Jew to think about going into the very presence of God, much less, doing it with confidence. To a Jew who took the Old Covenant seriously, the prospect of entering the holy place was inconceivable and impossible. Now the writer of Hebrews says that Jesus’ blood has effectively torn the veil that had separated sinful man from Holy God for thousands of years. How? By the blood of Jesus! (Heb 9:22) Verse 20 goes on to show us that God’s presence in the most holy place had the curtain that once was a barrier to man is now no longer there. The word “new” comes from a Greek word that meant “freshly slain.” But this Sacrifice was not only freshly slain, but He is also “living”, risen from the dead! When Jesus, the Messiah, died on the Cross, the veil of the temple was torn by God Himself, showing Israel two things: that the Messiah had now provided the actual entrance for the sinner into the presence of God, and that the symbolic sacrifices were to be discontinued. Verse 22 – Let us draw near - with a true heart – undivided
- in full assurance of faith,
- with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
- and our bodies washed with pure water.
These are not suggestions; they are strong, urgent exhortations. They are a call to decisive action. It is the strongest way to urge a group to action. Verse 23 – Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful. The writer urges the recipients not to lean back towards the First Testament Like the generation which left Egypt, who in their hearts were returning to that place of slavery, so these unsaved Jews under stress of persecution were leaning back in their hearts to the First Testament. They were wavering between two things, either to go on to the act of faith in Jesus or to go back to the old ways, which were tradition and familiar. Verse 24 – And let us consider how to stir up once another to love and good works. To “consider” is to put one’s mind down on something, to think down and observe or consider carefully and attentively. It is not a passing glance, but focused attention that leads to meaningful response. To “stir up” is to literally jab someone so they must respond. “One another” is the pulse of the Christian life. We were made to be in community. Christianity is a “we” faith. Our charge is to provoke one another to love and good deeds. One of the clearest ways to do this is by being together and encouraging one another with urgency. One act of intentional encouragement may become the very thing God uses to keep someone from giving up. Questions to Consider: - What does it mean to “draw near” to God? How can we do that every day?
- What does it look like to “hold fast” to our hope when life is difficult?
- Why do Christians need other Christians instead of trying to follow Jesus alone?
- What is one practical way you can encourage someone this week? (a letter, text, phone call, visit, etc.)
- Are you in a small group where you can be known and loved? Why or why not? If not, will you have the courage to find one?
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