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Therefore, brothers, possessing a boldness regarding the Way1 into the Holy Places by the blood of Jesus2
| 1 | Possessing a boldness regarding the Way: Or, KJV: boldness to enter into; ABU: boldness for the entrance into; MON: a cheerful confidence; GDS: free access; RHM: freedom of speech for the entrance through. Compare John 14:6; Romans 5:2. The boldness to approach God with a freeness of speech is based on confidence in the blood of the Lamb. |
| 2 | Into the Holy Places by the blood of Jesus: Or, KJV: the holiest; ABU: holy places. Some choose the singular, while others the plural. The Greek is HAGION [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #39]. Some would emphasize only the entrance into the Most Holy, however the Jewish chief priest must enter both the first compartment – the Holy Place – and then after into the Most Holy. Thus, the tabernacle is a type of celestial or heavenly matters. Perhaps the fact that the exterior objects of worship are made of copper and the inner objects are gold proves a separation between the two. There is something to follow which supports this view. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Hebrews 10:19 as the theme verse of chapter ten – The Way Into Holy Places. Paul writes that the Law was only a shadow of future good things. [1-4] The sacrifices under the Law of Moses would have ceased had they been able to perfect and cleanse the consciences Jewish worshippers. With regard to such sacrifices the messianic Son says God did not approach of animal sacrifices but prepared a body for him. [5-10] Paul quotes Psalm 40:6-8 and applies the words, “Behold, I have come to do Your will,” to Jesus Christ.
Unlike Jewish priests Christ approached God with one sacrifice to cover sins. [11-18] Paul refers to Psalm 110:1 again and applies it to Christ who waits enthroned as king until all his enemies are subjugated. He again quotes Jeremiah 31:31, 32 and applies the words to those Christians to whom he was writing.
Paul encourages Christians to be confident and bold regarding entrance into “the Holy Places” pre-figured by the Mosaic Tabernacle. [19-25] This approach to The God must be done with “a true heart in complete conviction. He uses language that suggests the Saints on earth reside within a spiritual courtyard where the altar of sacrifice and the water basin are located. Such Christians have had their “hearts sprinkled” with the blood of Christ, and their bodies bathed in “clean water.” Thus, Christians should hold on tight to the Hope of entering the “holy places” in heaven. They should also be considerate of others, arousing love and good works among their fellowship. They should continue meeting together and be encouraging as “the Day draws near.”
There are sins that can cause a Christian to trample on Christ’s sacrifice. [26-31] Habitual and chronic sin “removes any sacrifice regarding sins.” Condemnation awaits such persons. Paul compares punishment under the Law of Moses and that for those who have ‘trampled the Son of God underfoot.’ This amounts to valuing the blood of Christ as no better than animal blood. Such have scorned the spirit of grace.
Paul urges these Christians to continue to remember the past. [32-34] They had endured much suffering and showed sympathy for those Christians in prison. They were willing to “plunder their belongings” in order to help the persecuted. They “should not cast off their boldness.” [35-39] One must endure to “capture the Promise.” Paul quotes Isaiah 26:20 and Habakkuk 2:3, 4 and stresses that Christians are not the kind that flinch or shrink back but rather those with deep conviction.
Abba our Father bless the faithful.
[21 August 2002]
It has now been shown that Christ has, as our high priest, opened the way into the holiest of all, the heavens, for us. Hence we may follow with boldness. We have the assurance of heaven.
