BOLDNESS TO ENTER

HEBREWS 10:19–22

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place [the Holy of Holies] by the blood of Jesus …

(Heb. 10:19).

We now arrive at the transition in the epistle to the Hebrews. Up through chapter 10 verse 18, the author has been laying out his doctrinal foundations, while making some exhortations along the way. Now in 10:19 we find the word therefore, which moves us into the second half of the epistle, the application section.

The author has made the point that Jesus entered the Holy of Holies in heaven and was enthroned as Melchizedekian Priest-King, something no one in history had ever done. Because of Jesus’ work, the way into the throne room of heaven is now open. There is no longer a barrier keeping us from fully entering God’s holy throne room. Cherubim no longer wield a flaming sword to keep us out. If we put our trust in Christ and stand in union with Him, we may enter.

Jesus’ body is the replacement for the veil in the tabernacle and temple. That veil separated the Holy Place (ante-room) from the Holy of Holies (throne room). The cherubim woven into the veil plainly said, “Keep Out!” But now Jesus has become the Veil, and He invites us in. We enter through Him.

We can enter through Him not because He is the Son of God and not because He is a perfect man. Rather, we can enter because He poured out His blood in death. Remember from last month: blood displayed on altars and other places forms a doorway, because God sees it and is satisfied to let us through. It is Jesus’ blood—that is, His death—that forms the doorway to let us into heaven’s throne room. Jesus is the new open veil because He is the perfect sacrifice.

So now that Jesus has made it possible for us to enter, do we dare do so? Yes, because Jesus is the Great High Priest. He needs sacrifices and gifts to offer the Father (Heb. 8:3), and that is what we are. He wants us to enter. He wants to present us to the Father. He invites us in. As King He commands us to enter.

But because our consciences accuse us, we still fear. So we are to claim this promise: God has wiped clean the slate of accusations against us (10:22). Our conscience is clear in Christ, and we must enter.

CORAM DEO

Ezekiel 33–35

Entering is through prayer. Corporate worship together at the Lord’s Table is a new and better form of drawing near. Daily avail yourself of prayer as a means of gaining God’s grace. And use every opportunity for corporate worship at the Lord’s Table.

For further study: Psalms 27:1–14; 89:14–18 • 1 Thess. 3:11–13

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