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CONFIDENT and COMMITTED. Hebrews 10:19-25. 01/14/2024. #32.
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. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
1. The torn veil
a. The Holy of Holies could be entered only once each year by the High Priest
a1. There were specific tasks done in a precise order on the Day of Atonement
a2. No other person could enter the Holy Place
b. Upon the death of Christ, the veil was torn from top to bottom by God
a1. No longer did the Holy of Holies hold any significance
a2. The Old Testament ministry was finished
c. Now, all believers can enter the Holy Place boldly and with confidence
a1. Jesus has ushered us into the presence of God as a right given to all believers
a2. Jesus is now our High Priest, who makes intercession for us
d. We are washed in the blood of Christ
a1. We have full confidence of our hope (not faith) of what the Lord has promised
a2. We are empowered and encouraged to draw close to the Lord as our right and God’s desire (opened door to relationship)
2. Hold on
a. Due to Christ’s atonement, we should hold fast to our confession of hope without wavering
a1. If we were confident in our decision to receive Christ, we need to move on in full confidence to walk with Christ (Ephesians 3:14-21)
a2. Too many people profess Christ, but then back away from Him
b. Unwavering confession in Christ demonstrates true faith and a regenerated heart
a1. The wavering believer might not be saved at all, since is not settled in His faith
a2. “Hold fast” (cling securely) = it is up to the believer to grow (it is not automatic)
b1. “Put off the old man…put on the new”
b2. “Put on the whole armor of God…”
b3. “…be filled with Holy Spirit.”
c. Jewish believers could not hold onto the confession of hope and the Old Testament law at the same time
a1. A full confession of trust in Christ alone
a2. We rely upon Christ’s promises and His faithfulness for our salvation and nothing else
3. Forsake not
a. If we have full confidence in salvation in Christ, then we encourage and challenge one another to live a faithful life and grow in that faith
b. Three important reasons to gather together:
a1. It is commanded by God (not an option)
a2. The assembly is where we teach, encourage, challenge, and help one another
a3. The Lord is returning (the Day Approaching) so there is an urgency to focus on Christ
c. Hebrews bemoans the fact that there were believers who forsake the assembly
a1. Ministry is a corporate activity
a2. Challenge and growth come through the body of Christ (God’s design)
d. It is easy to drift away from Christ when one stays away from the assembly
Key verse: Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.