Having
therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh...
Hebrews 10:19-20
Hebrews 10 [18.] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over God’s house, let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
Meaning:
- Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place:
The author begins by addressing believers as "brothers and sisters," emphasizing their familial relationship within the community of faith. This familial bond is significant, as it highlights the unity and solidarity among believers. The phrase "confidence to enter the Most Holy Place" refers to the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle or temple, where God's presence dwelt behind the veil (Exodus 26:31-33). Through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, believers now have boldness and assurance to approach God's presence directly, without fear or hesitation (Hebrews 4:16).
- By the Blood of Jesus:
The confidence to enter God's presence is made possible "by the blood of Jesus." This points to the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, where His shed blood provides forgiveness of sins and grants access to God for all who believe (Ephesians 1:7). The blood of Jesus serves as the basis for our reconciliation with God and our restoration to fellowship with Him (Romans 5:9).
- A New and Living Way:
The author describes this access to God's presence as "a new and living way." This emphasizes the transformative and life-giving nature of the path to God that Jesus has inaugurated. Unlike the old system of animal sacrifices and ritual observances, which could not ultimately cleanse the conscience or bring true spiritual renewal (Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 9:14), Jesus has opened a new and living way that leads to eternal life and communion with God (John 14:6).
- Opened for Us Through the Curtain, That Is, His Body:
The "curtain" referred to here symbolizes the barrier that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the tabernacle or temple. At the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, this veil was torn in two, signifying the removal of the barrier between God and humanity (Matthew 27:51). The tearing of the veil represents Jesus' body, which was broken for us, providing access to God's presence and making a way for us to draw near to Him (Hebrews 9:11-12).
Cross References:
Hebrews 4:16: "Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need." This verse echoes the theme of confident access to God's presence through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the availability of God's grace and mercy to help us in our time of need.
Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace..." This verse highlights the central role of Jesus' blood in securing our redemption and forgiveness of sins, underscoring the importance of His sacrificial death.
In summary, Hebrews 10:19-20 celebrates the transformative power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which grants believers bold and confident access to God's presence. Through His shed blood and broken body, Jesus has opened a new and living way for us to draw near to God, experience His grace, and enjoy intimate communion with Him. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to approach God with confidence and gratitude for the unparalleled access we have been granted through Jesus Christ.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible