Hebrews 10:19 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

Navigator

Hebrews 10:19

Comments

The way into the holy of holies had been barred to the Israelites for centuries. Only the high priest was allowed to enter, and even then he could only go in on one day of the year, the Day of Atonement. If he came in at any other time he was warned that God would appear and he would die (Leviticus 16:2). This was to teach the holiness of God his unapproachability. But Christ has entered into the holiest place, not in the earthly tabernacle but in heaven, and he has opened up the way for us. Where he has gone, we may follow, and in this verse we are urged to follow. How could a believing Israelite overcome their reluctance and fear of going into the place which they had been trained all their life not to go into? How could they go where they knew only the high priest was allowed to go, and then but once a year? Only by understanding the meaning of these symbolic prohibitions, and by understanding what God had done to make entrance into his presence possible. That understanding could only come by faith, for faith believes the gospel; it believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that his death on Calvary is sufficient to purge away all our sins and that the way into the holiest is now opened to us. This faith brings with it boldness, because faith sees that there is sufficient ground for all our fears to be taken away. The God who is a consuming fire to his enemies, has become a loving Father to his children. He invites us to draw near. He promises that his anger is now put away. He explains what has been done to make this possible. We see that what he has provided in Christ is sufficient remove our sin, and our love for God together with his invitation makes us want to draw near. We do not want to remain any longer at a distance from our heavenly Father and from Jesus Christ, our Saviour. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and we desire greatly to search out those treasures. But we cannot draw near unless we go into the holiest place where he dwells.

Application

Assurance is given to us at the start of the Christian life with the gift of faith. We receive an inner certainty. As you hear the gospel, it becomes obvious and clear that this is true. Only God can provide and he has done so. But faith has to be exercised. It is true to you and you respond, but you must continue to exercise boldness. It is the opposite side of the coin that has faith on one side: to be given conviction carries assurance.

What is opened up to every child of God is an intimate audience with their heavenly Father. Although God is seated on the throne of his glory, and from there rules over all creation and directs the unfolding of all his will, we must not draw back in fear. We must come boldly to praise and thank him, and to make known our petitions. We must come to the place where his holiness would have destroyed us without the saving work of Christ.

Questions

Of course believing Israelites did not starting crowding into the holy of holies in the earthly temple. That would still have been barred to them by the priests. But they entered the true holy of holies and there they had fellowship with God.

Outline

Purpose

Introduction

Hebrews 10:19 Commentary and Bible Study