Hebrews 10:20
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Hebrews 10:20 (KJV)
Context
The Book of Hebrews is a New Testament letter written to 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.
Meaning
“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. The way is “new” not because it was recently devised, but because it is newly revealed with greater clarity and stands in contrast to the old way of the covenant of works. It is “living” because Christ lives, and His sacrifice has life-giving power.
“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. He inaugurated this way, dedicating it for humanity.
“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, and through the offering of it the way into God’s presence was opened. Christ is the God-man and Mediator, the way itself, leading through His body into the presence of God.
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 open way: Reflect on the significance of the veil being opened through Christ’s flesh. 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.
Reflection
The new and living way is not merely a doctrine to affirm but a reality to enter. Because Christ lives, the way remains open. Because He consecrated it, it is holy. Because it passes through His flesh, it is personal. Let us draw near with hearts fixed on Him, who is both the way and the destination.
