Hebrews 10:19–26
We no longer live under the law of the Old Testament, but under the grace of the New. Through Jesus Christ, the covenant has changed, and with it comes a new way of living. Hebrews 10:19–26 reminds us that while salvation is a gift of grace, the New Covenant also brings new responsibilities. Because of what Christ has done, we are called to pray, persevere, and provoke one another toward Christlikeness.
Our New Access Through Christ (vv. 19–21)
In the Old Testament, access to God was limited and layered. The temple contained multiple holy places—the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies—each separated by curtains and entered only through careful ceremonies. Once a year, the high priest alone would enter the Holy of Holies to place sacrificial blood on the Ark of the Covenant as atonement for the people.
Jesus fulfilled all of this through His death. When He gave His life, the curtain of the Holy of Holies was torn, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. Christ became both the perfect sacrifice and our eternal High Priest. Because of Him, believers now have direct access to God.
So the question becomes: How should we live in light of this incredible access?
1. We Should Pray (v. 22)
“Let us draw near…”
This phrase would have been rich with meaning to the original audience. To “draw near” referred to approaching the altar or the Holy of Holies for worship—something that once required ritual cleansing, special garments, and strict procedures.
Now, through Jesus, we draw near with confidence.
We come with:
- A sincere heart
- Full assurance of faith
- Clean hearts and lives, made pure by Christ
In the Old Testament, bells were sewn onto the high priest’s robe so people would know he was still alive in God’s presence. Today, we don’t approach God with fear of judgment, but with confidence as beloved children.
There are people who can walk into an office without knocking because of relationship. In the same way, through Jesus, we now have unhindered access to the Father, yet how often do we neglect that privilege?
The New Testament life is a life of prayer:
- Personal prayer
- Corporate prayer
- Ongoing fellowship with God
There is nothing and no one standing between us and the God of heaven—yet so often, we “have not because we ask not.”
2. We Should Persevere (v. 23)
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…”
To hold fast means to maintain, preserve, and faithfully follow. Perseverance requires obedience. Our confession is not just what we say we believe, but how we live out those beliefs.
We persevere because:
- God is faithful
- His promises are trustworthy
- His Word is true
Like following instructions, obedience flows from trust. When we read, study, and know God’s Word, we are better equipped to live the life Jesus calls us to live.
Perseverance is nurtured through:
- Regular exposure to Scripture
- Humble obedience
- Faithful commitment to Christ and His church
3. We Should Provoke One Another (vv. 24–25)
“Let us consider how to stir up one another…”
The word provoke here is strong—it means to stir, agitate, or push forward. But not toward conflict. We provoke one another toward love and good works.
Love is expressed through serving one another.
Good works are tangible acts of doing good for others.
How do we do this?
- By gathering together regularly
- By encouraging one another intentionally
God designed us to need one another. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone.
As believers, we are also reminded that the Day of the Lord is approaching. Knowing Christ’s return is near should motivate us to increase—not decrease—our commitment to one another.
Living It Out
The New Testament life is not passive; it is purposeful.
- Prayer — We are committing to a renewed focus on prayer, including Sunday nights and the prayer room.
- Perseverance — We grow through faithful preaching and teaching on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesdays, and in Sunday School.
- Provoking One Another — We do life together through care groups and Sunday School communities.
Because of Jesus, we have access.
Because of Jesus, we have hope.
And because of Jesus, we are called to live differently.
Let us pray.
Let us persevere.
Let us provoke one another toward love and good works.
