Hebrews 10:19

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”

Context and Background:The book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish believers who were facing persecution and temptations to return to the Old Covenant practices instead of fully embracing their faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus and His sacrifice, highlighting the new and better covenant established through Him.

Meaning and Interpretation:Hebrews 10:19 expresses the assurance and confidence believers have in approaching God. The verse begins with “Having therefore, brethren,” which connects it to the previous verses in which the author explains the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the perfect and complete atonement for sins.

The phrase “boldness to enter into the holiest” refers to the access believers now have to God’s presence. In the Old Testament, the “holiest” referred to the inner sanctuary of the temple where God’s presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter it once a year on the Day of Atonement. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers now have boldness or confidence to enter into God’s presence.

This boldness is made possible “by the blood of Jesus.” The shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. The blood of Jesus symbolizes His life and sacrificial death, which serves as the basis for reconciliation with God. Through faith in Jesus’ finished work, believers can approach God boldly, knowing that their sins have been forgiven and they are accepted by Him.

Application:

Hebrews 10:19 holds several significant applications for believers today:

• Confidence in Accessing God:As believers, we have the privilege of direct access to God through Jesus Christ. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has opened the way for us to enter into His presence. This should inspire us to cultivate a vibrant and intimate relationship with God, knowing that He desires fellowship with His children.
• Freedom from Guilt:The blood of Jesus provides forgiveness of sins and liberation from guilt. When we confess our sins and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice, we can experience the assurance of forgiveness and the removal of our guilt. This freedom allows us to approach God without fear, shame, or condemnation.
• Embracing the New Covenant:Hebrews contrasts the Old Covenant, with its rituals and sacrifices, with the new and better covenant established through Jesus. This verse reminds us to embrace the fullness of the New Covenant, recognizing that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation. We are no longer bound by the limitations of the Old Covenant but can experience the fullness of God’s grace and mercy through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Living with Boldness and Assurance:Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can live with boldness and confidence in our faith. This boldness should extend beyond our personal relationship with God to our witness and proclamation of the Gospel. We can share the good news of salvation with others, knowing that the way has been opened for all people to have access to God through Jesus.

Overall, Hebrews 10:19 encourages believers to approach God with boldness and confidence, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has granted us access to the holiest place. It reminds us of the freedom, forgiveness, and assurance we have in Christ and calls us to live faithfully in light of the new and better covenant established through Him.