BOLDNESS TO ENTER IN

Hebrews 10:19-25 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Here we see images of the old Tabernacle to show us the better new and living way that we have in Christ in the Heavenly Tabernacle:

The Tabernacle was divided into the Holy Place and the Holiest Place. The Holiest Place represented God’s presence. There was a thick veil (curtain) dividing the two rooms. Only the High Priest could enter the Holiest Place. He went in once a year on the Day of Atonement. He sprinkled blood on the Mercy Seat for the sins of the people.

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). Now, we don’t have to be a high priest to have access to the Heavenly Tabernacle. We are invited to be bold and to enter into God’s presence. Because Jesus has opened a new and living way for us, and because God invites us to His presence, we must enter in through prayer and meditation on God’s Word.

Our drawing near to God begins with confession (v.22). Meditate on the following words and phrases: true heart, faith, hearts sprinkled from and evil conscience, bodies washed, without wavering. Let David’s prayer be yours if it applies, Psalm 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Isn’t it wonderful that God wants to hear our confessions, praises, needs, intercessions, and requests! We also listen to God through meditation on His Word. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and helps us to understand the Bible and apply it to ourselves.

Real fruitfulness in our lives corresponds to our worship time with God. If we shortchange God, we shortchange ourselves and others. This entering into the Holiest Place is essential. What can you do differently this week in your devotional times to “draw near” to God? Also, is there someone who would benefit from your encouragement today?  

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry