Thursday
Thursday
A Threefold Exhortation
Since we have confidence … let us draw near to God…. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:19, 22–24
Behind this threefold exhortation there lies the layout and ministry of the temple. The temple was built in two sections or rooms, the further and smaller of them being called the Holy of Holies or the Most Holy Place. In it the shekinah glory, the symbol of God’s presence, was to be seen. A thick curtain (the “veil”) hung between the two rooms and barred entrance into the Holy of Holies. Access was strictly forbidden except for only one person (the high priest) on one occasion (the Day of Atonement) on one condition (that he took with him the blood of a sacrifice).
Our author assumes that his readers know this and have understood his teaching that these things have been fulfilled in the high priesthood and sacrifice of Jesus. Access through the veil into the presence of God was now open to all believers.
Firstly, then, “Let us draw near to God” (v. 22) with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, inwardly cleansed from a guilty conscience and outwardly in baptism having our bodies washed with pure water. This continuous access to God is a most marvelous privilege. Secondly, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (v. 23). The Christian hope (which is a sure expectation) focuses on the coming of Christ and the glory that will follow. But how can we hold fast to this hope when so many—even in the church—have given it up? There is only one answer, namely that “he who promised is faithful” (v. 23). The Lord Jesus promised that he would come in power and great glory, and he keeps his promises. Thirdly, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (v. 24). The author clearly considered that his readers had grown slack in meeting. For Christian one-anotherness (provoking one another and encouraging one another) depends on meeting one another.
Here, then, is the Christian life to which we are summoned: access to God by faith, waiting for Christ in hope, and stirring one another up to love. It is the familiar triad of faith, hope, and love.
For further reading: Hebrews 10:19–25