Hold Fast Your Confession
December 13, 2022
Commentary
The Most Holy Place in the temple was sealed from view by the veil (v. 20). Only the high priest could enter this holy room, and he did so only once a year on the Day of Atonement when he offered the sacrifice for sins. In this passage we are encouraged to boldly enter into the presence of God.
The possession of this boldness (v. 19). Every believer possesses the freedom to enter boldly into the presence of God. This privilege is no longer limited to the priesthood.The price of this boldness (v. 19). This price was paid by the precious blood of Christ. Just as the high priest could enter the holy of holies by the blood of animals, the blood of Jesus has made it possible for the believer to enter into God’s presence.The pathway into this boldness (v. 20). This is through the veil which speaks of Christ’s “humanity.” In the Old Testament the veil stood between man and the Most Holy Place.In this book the writer uses the phrase “let us” a total of thirteen times. Three of these occurrences are in this text, and these three commands are given to every Christian:
Let us draw near with a true heart” (vv. 21-22). We draw near to God when we live in constant recognition of His presence in our life. We do not draw near to God just by going to church. We are no nearer to Him there than we are at home.“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering“ (v. 23). This does not mean to hold on to our salvation, because that depends on Christ and not ourselves. Instead this is an exhortation for endurance to speak out and tell others what has happened to us.“Let us consider one another by stirring each other up to love and good works“ (vv. 24-25). Apparently some Christians had not been faithful in their gathering for fellowship with other Christians. The emphasis is not on what we can get, but rather on what we can contribute.
Application
I need to live from my head as well as from my heart. This means to believe the right things, and to be a living example to others by doing the right things.
Hebrews 10:19– 25 (NET)
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.
Illustration: Ward Encourage Me And I Will Not Forget You
William Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” (Source Unknown).