Hebrews 10:22

Let vs drawe neere with a true heart in full assurance of faith, hauing our hearts sprinkled from an euill conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22 (KJV)

Context: The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to turn back to Judaism. The author of Hebrews encourages them to remain faithful to Christ and emphasizes the superiority of Jesus and the new covenant over the old covenant.

Drawing near to God:

The verse begins with an exhortation to “draw near.” In the context of Hebrews, this means coming into the presence of God. In the Old Testament, access to God’s presence was limited to the high priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year. However, through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers now have direct access to God. We can approach Him boldly and intimately.

A true heart in full assurance of faith:

When drawing near to God, the author emphasizes the importance of having a “true heart.” This refers to sincerity and genuineness in our approach to God. It means coming before God with a genuine desire to worship Him and seek His presence. Additionally, we should come with “full assurance of faith,” meaning unwavering confidence in the promises of God and the work of Christ on our behalf.

Hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience:

The phrase “hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” suggests the cleansing of our inner being. In the Old Testament, sprinkling blood on the altar symbolized purification and forgiveness of sins. Here, it symbolizes the work of Jesus, whose sacrifice provides complete cleansing from sin. When we trust in Christ, our guilty consciences are cleansed, and we are made free from the guilt and power of sin.

Bodies washed with pure water:

The phrase “bodies washed with pure water” refers to the external aspect of our cleansing. It symbolizes purification and the washing away of sin, which is part of the new life in Christ through His sacrifice. Water baptism is often associated with this purification, representing the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Baptism also signifies our identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

Overall, Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to approach God with sincerity, confidence, and a true heart. It reminds us of the access we have to God through Jesus Christ and the cleansing we experience through His sacrifice. It calls us to draw near to God, assured of our forgiveness and the new life we have in Him.