A TRUE HEART
A TRUE HEART
HEBREWS 10:19-25
We can come into God’s presence with complete confidence that he will accept us, so the question is: do we come and make full use of that access?
Attention now turns from the Savior to the saved. Since Christ has done so much for us there must be consequences in our attitude both to God and to other people. As believers, we should have confidence in their relationship with God. Because of what Christ has done for us, the way into the very holiest is open to us. The curtain was torn literally to make open the way into the Holiest (Mark 15:38). And metaphorically the flesh of Christ had to be torn to open up that way. The expression is poetic and vivid. Some prefer to take “his flesh” rather with “way”: the way through the curtain was his flesh, his human nature with all that this means. But the interpretation of the tearing of his flesh seems more in accordance with the reference to his blood (10:19). What is clear is that we are being reminded of the access into the very presence of God which Christ’s death brought to sinners, and we are encouraged to make the greatest use of that access. We should come with true heart, with faith, with assurance, and with our hearts purified inwardly just as water (the water of baptism) cleans our bodies outwardly (10:22).
For those tempted to go back, there is point in the appeal to hold fast and not to waver (10:23), as also in the reminder of what is involved in “confession” and “hope.” They should not try to stand on their own. Basic is the faithfulness of the One “who promised.” God will not go back on his promises.
As believers, we can help one another. We can stir one another up to produce deeds of love and other good works. Notice how love is thought of as the most important thing in keeping people steadfast in the Christian life. And the assembling of Christians together is something not to be neglected (10:25). The assembly for worship, when all criticisms have been allowed their full weight, is still a source of strength to those who come with a true heart.