PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
HEBREWS 10:19-23 NKJV
HEBREWS 10:19-23 NKJV
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
OBSERVATION:
The writer of Hebrews makes a shift in this chapter and gives more instructions to these Jewish believers.
In essence, he is saying now that we have this much better situation because of Jesus, we should live differently.
We now have boldness, or confidence, to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus. He has created for us a new and living way by the sacrifice of Himself. This is quite a statement. No longer are these believers on the outside as they were in the old covenant. Before Jesus, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. But Jesus made it possible for us to stand in the very presence of God. This freedom and access are available to everyone who makes Christ the Lord of their life.
And because we have Jesus as our High Priest, representing us before God, we can come near to God. Jesus made the way for us. Now our part is to believe and act on that truth. Faith is more than a belief system; it is an action. We believe and speak. Believe and rejoice. Believe and draw near to God.
Because we have been spiritually cleansed by the sacrifice of Jesus, we are spiritually presentable to come near to God. No longer are we carrying the stains of sin and shame.
So, continuing the action theme, we hold fast to the confession of our hope. And don't vacillate. The confession of our hope is better defined as the confession of our expectation. Because He who made the promises that give us that expectation is faithful.
APPLICATION:
This letter, book of Hebrews, was written to people facing some definite problems. Being criticized and rejected is not easy to process.
The author is now giving instructions on how to live, knowing what they have in Christ is better. So, we see words such as hold fast and don't waver.
It is good for us, who may not be facing the same pressure but still dealing with life, to hold fast to our expression of expectation.
Life tends to wear on us. And when we add problems, the wear and tear are more intense. But we can continue to express our positive expectation because of Christ. We can continue to draw close to God. And we can continue to give thanks for all God has done for us.
PRAYER:
Lord, I believe in what You have done for me, and I will practice living in the reality of Your word.