19 Holding Fast Our Confession

In the second half of Hebrews chapter 10, the author shows how those things which he covered in the first half, must be personally applied to our lives.

While in the traditional Jewish experience, the attitude of drawing near to God was somewhat foreign. However, it is something which believers should desire.

1 Boldly Approach

Hebrews 10:19

In both the Old Covenant tabernacle, and later in the temple, the inner sanctuary (holy of holies) was separated from the rest of the temple by a 60 ft. high by 30 ft. wide 4-inch-thick curtain. Once a year, the high priest only, would be allowed to enter the most holy place (carrying blood from a sacrifice) where he would offer atonement for his sins, and then those of the people.

The purpose for the curtain, was to present a visual barrier, which was to represent the barrier between man and God because of our sinfulness.

Yet, the Gospels record how, when Jesus died upon the cross, this exceptionally large curtain was torn in two, but interestingly from top to bottom, thus signifying that it was torn from heaven itself:

Matthew 27:45

The tearing of the curtain was to show that there was now complete access to the God, as Jesus had bridged the divide.

It is the Lord’s blood alone, which satisfies the requirements of our sin:

Romans 3:24-26

2 The Perfect Sacrifice

Hebrews 12:20-21

Christ’s death makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God, which in this passage is spoken of as “by a new and living way”.

In the original Greek the phrase means a “fresh” way.

While the Old Covenant sacrifices had become stale, God was desiring a new and fresh way.

In the later part of verse 20, the author connects the veil with Christ’s flesh, as a way of showing, that just as the veil was torn, removing a prior barrier, Jesus’ flesh was literally torn during His brutal scourging and crucifixion, with His death providing never-before unhindered access to the Father.

And because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, verse 21 speaks of Jesus as High Priest over the House of God.

3 Draw Near to God

Hebrews 10:22

Since the veil (barrier) has been removed, there is no longer any excuse not to draw near to God.

The author stated we can draw near with a “true heart” and “full assurance”.

The Greek word for assurance is the word parrēsian, which indicates full confidence in someone or something which will never fail.

What a picture of how and why the believer should have full assurance in Jesus.

In the same way we see that our assurance is not in ourselves, but in the blood of Jesus to wash away our sins:

1 John 1:9

In the Greek, the word which we have translated as “cleanse” speaks of performing more than a singular cleansing, but that it continually does so. This also should add to our reasons for having full assurance.

The author then spoke of our bodies being “washed with pure water”.

Some have looked at this as a difficult text, leading to varying understandings.

• Some have suggested that this is in-line with Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:26. However, Paul was definitely speaking of a spiritual washing with the water of the Word. In the passage here in Hebrews, the author clearly speaks of our bodies being washed, which denies the idea of it being spiritual.
• The preferred understanding is that he’s referring to Christian water baptism, which is an announcement to the world, that the individual has received new life in Christ, and has been cleansed from sin.

4 Holding Fast to the Truth

Hebrews 10:23-25

Believers are encouraged to “hold fast” without wavering.

The term “hold fast” in the Greek, speaks of holding steadfastly to a designated course.

In verses 24 and 25, all this should lead us to have right relationships with one another within the body of Christ.

The believers at the time of this epistle, were living under great oppression and persecution, and it seems that this had led to some believers to avoid assembling.

But that attitude contradicts God’s plan for His church, which we find described in Acts.

Acts 2:44

Acts 2:46-47

Acts 2 is the Lord’s design for what His church should look like.

In verse 24 the author directs believers to “stir up” love and good works.

In the Greek, the term “stir up” is forceful language, since it literally means “to incite.”

The author then exhorts the believers, “not to forsake assembling together”.

A big reason why we shouldn’t neglect assembling together, is because as believers we have the mandate build one another up. Another reason, is pointed out by the author, because we are getting closer to the Lord’s return.