TEXT: Hebrews 10:19-25
READING: Luke 24:1-12
SUBJ: The liberty we have, to come into God’s presence on the basis of the High Priestly work of Christ and the means whereby we have such access.
AIM: That we might be more inclined to draw nigh to God both individually and corporately.
INTR: We see in this passage the response and responsibility of the Lord’s people respecting what He has done.
1. It was never the intent that men should be unmoved and indifferent to the Lord and His work.
2. There is expectation (which is set before us in many ways) and it is realized through a people who are zealous of good works.
3. It is in the presence of God that there is any meaningful expression of faith and the works that result from it.
THESIS: We are bidden to do the unthinkable as we consider the Majesty and Holiness of God. We are encouraged to approach Him. In Christ we may do just that. It provokes worship, elicits joy, and redounds to His glory. Then:
I. Let us Draw Near (vv. 19-22)
1. We have, in the knowledge of Christ, been given a certain liberty or confidence to come near to Him. The freedom here is not that of exercising a right, but of feeling free to come.
2. We would here pause to consider all the implications of the Blood of Christ.
1) Where we dare to go – the very presence of God because He went before.
2) We consider that He made the way, the only way, that would have been required of us.
3) Today we are thinking about the fact that He successfully emerged on the other side have gone by a way that only He could.
4) With what confidence we go – a declared acceptance of the work of Christ.
3. In verse 20, the means is by a “new way” seeing that the old way was closed off in the Garden of Eden.
1) This one is consecrated (or new made for the purposes of redemption)
2) There is an allusion to the veil in the Tabernacle that blocked the way of approach.
3) The rent veil in the Temple indicating that the way was open based on what He had endured.
4. And so, “having a High Priest over the House of God (His people) we have every confidence that we may approach. Note there is a sense of possession to be enjoyed.
5. Drawing near: (v. 22)
1) With a true heart – implying conversion
2) In full assurance of faith – Such faith as is matured to be able to believe in a full acceptance of us in Christ.
3) Hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience – the believing application of the blood and compare Heb 9:14.
4) Bodies washed with pure water. The work of the Spirit in sanctification.Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
II. Let us hold fast (v. 23)
1. First, we consider the necessity of a profession of hope. Peter referred to “a reason of hope.”
1) With many is “I have made up my mind, don’t confuse me with the facts.”
2) Christ is our Hope and embracing Him, we embrace all He has done.
2. The disciples’ plea was “to Whom shall we go?” I love the quote from Ravenhill “The only time you can really say that ‘Christ is all I need,’ is when Christ is all you have.”
3. The foundation of that hope is that He is faithful who promised.
1) The eternal nature of promise which begins in the garden and continues through Abraham and then on to Christ.
2) We note especially His faithfulness in sacrifice.
III. Let us consider one another. (vv. 24-25)
1. To provoke unto love
1) “Provoke” is usually a negative or harsh term.
2) Here is to seek to cause love through loving.
2. And “good works” – by prayer, by example, by faith in Him whom we serve.
3. Not forsaking – a warning not to move away from the benefits of assembling as some do.
1) The bond of faith and love is expressed though assembling.
2) There is the mutual benefit of assuring one another.
3) It is the place of exhortation or encouragement.
4) The day is approaching, and we must always be concerned.
