S9P1 – A new way of life: confident freedom
This series takes a look at Hebrews 10:19-25. This passage comes directly after the explanation of Christ’s sacrifice being once and for all. As a result, Jesus makes a way for us to live a new way of life not previously available to man. Let us explore some of the characteristics of the life Jesus has made available to us.
Hebrews 10:19
Therefore, believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus,
Before Jesus, entrance into the holy dwelling place of God was reserved for a select few. A sinner seeking repentance could enter the courtyard of the tabernacle, but that individual could get only so close to God. Between the sinner and the presence of God in the Holy of Holies stood priests and high priests. There was no way for you and me to stand alone before the holy God. We lacked both the confidence and the freedom to approach. That place was not available to us prior to the shedding of Christ’s blood.
Through the blood of Christ, we are cleansed and consecrated, and free to enter into God’s dwelling place. Not only are we free to stand in the presence of the one true God, we are to proceed with confidence. This is not to say that we approach God without the humility and respect that He demands, but it means that Christ makes us worthy to do so without doubting whether we are qualified to stand in that place. The veil that once stood between man and God’s presence has been torn once and for all.
If God makes His presence available to us, what would keep us from entering it? Should it not be the place where we desire to stand above all others? Do we not dream of the day when we indeed will be able to look upon our Father and His Son and His Spirit with our very eyes? We have been cleansed of the vestiges of the old self and have been clothed in the purity and holiness that makes us worthy to approach God confidently. Father, remind us of these truths so that we continue to approach You in confidence and freedom, accepting without doubt that Christ has made us pure.