Hebrews 10:19-39

Hebrews 10:19-39 … The book of Hebrews, addressed as it is to dispersed Jews of the first century who straddled the ancient holy rituals and the new reality of Jesus, identifies Jesus as the Messiah of God who provides a new and living way for all to come into the presence of God. The old Levitical rituals pointed forward to God’s perfect and only solution for sin, Jesus (Acts 4:12 … “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”)

Now, we enter into a brief segment of Hebrews (Hebrews 10:19-25) that is vitally important, so important that I suggest committing it to memory. It’s important because so many Christians are living far below the privileges God intends for us to have; far below the enablement God makes available to us. It’s through realization of these privileges that we can climb out of our funk and rightly appropriate God’s graces.

Here’s the provision we have in Jesus Christ: First, (Hebrews 10:19), we can enter (that’s access!) the most holy place … the very presence of Almighty God … the God who is a consuming fire … with supreme confidence in His love and protection. Second, (10:21) another provision: we have a Great High Priest as our advocate and mediator. These are surpassing provisions for believers! Because of these, we’re granted the privileges that access affords. We can draw near to God (v.22); we can hold fast to our profession of faith (v.23) and we can encourage one another and enjoy the encouragement of others in our walk of faith. We do that by  regularly participating in the fellowship of worship with other believers; worship which should be renewing, refreshing, revitalizing, and encouraging. That’s the main message we should get here.

The remaining message of Hebrews 10 is a warning against apostasy (v.26-31), falling away from your faith – which would bring into question the reality of your faith. Real faith doesn’t fall away, hence the warning. And the remaining verses, 32- 39, are an encouragement to persevere in your faith. There may be hard times (v.32-34), but be strong in the knowledge that God is faithful to His promises (v.35-39).