Hebrews 10:20

“By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;”

Context:The Book of Hebrews is a New Testament letter written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to turn away from their faith in Christ. The author emphasises the superiority of Christ and His sacrifice over the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews 10:20 is found within a larger passage that discusses the access believers have to God through Jesus Christ.

“By a new and living way”:This phrase refers to the access believers have to God through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, people approached God through the sacrificial system and the high priest. However, Jesus established a new and living way for people to come to God. This new way is characterised by the life-giving power of Jesus’ sacrifice and the personal relationship believers can have with God through Him.

“Which he hath consecrated for us”:The word “consecrated” means to set apart or make holy. Jesus consecrated the new and living way for us through His sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to approach God with confidence, free from the guilt and condemnation of sin.

“Through the veil, that is to say, his flesh”:In the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, there was a veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, representing the separation between God and humanity. This verse teaches that Jesus’ flesh served as the ultimate veil. His body was broken, symbolised by the tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of His death (Matthew 27:51), which signified the access believers now have to God through Him.

Application:

• Appreciating the new and living way:We should be grateful for the new way established by Jesus, which grants us direct access to God. We can approach God confidently, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us to experience a personal relationship with Him.
• Embracing the consecration:Recognise the holiness of the new way Jesus has provided. As believers, we are set apart by God’s grace to draw near to Him. We should strive to live in a manner that reflects our consecration and gratitude for this incredible gift.
• Rejoicing in the torn veil:Reflect on the significance of the torn veil in the temple. It represents the removal of barriers between God and humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice removed the separation caused by sin and made it possible for us to have direct communion with God. We can rejoice in this new access and approach Him with confidence.

Remember, studying the Bible involves delving into its broader context and consulting various resources to gain a deeper understanding.