Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:19-25
After the wonderful news of the last couple of chapters, the author is moving us toward another series of warnings, and his transition in these verses is as inspiring as any appeal in the entire New Testament. We have a confidence gained from the previous discussion of the superior high priest who has brought us a superior sacrifice to bring about a superior covenant based on superior promises, and as a result we can ourselves enter the Most Holy Place!
Imagine how this would have sounded to the original recipients… Remember, they were Jewish Christians living in Rome at the time of Nero’s terrible persecution, tempted to give it all up to avoid the Emperor’s rath, but after reading these chapters and now coming to this incredible assertion… how can they turn their backs on Jesus? Oh yes, very persuasive!
Yes, we have an entirely new way, a way right into the holy presence of God, a way that their ancestors couldn’t have imagined, and it is here now… and yes, here it comes: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” How could they let all of this go? They have in their hands the keys to the Kingdom, what could Nero do to them to make this worth giving up? Then the author takes the next step, a very dangerous one… Not only should they hold on, they should seek out ways to encourage others, and as if this weren’t enough, they should not give up meeting together!
Let’s stop and consider this point. It was dangerous enough to simply be a Christian in those days, but meeting together was infinitely more dangerous than that. A group of believers in worship can bring attention, can be noticed. It can result in somebody reporting that they saw you with the others; guilt by association could result. Some had apparently quit meeting for these reasons, but our author urges them to continue, to persist no matter the cost, for what they had in Christ was so worth it. Even more as the Day approaches…
The Day, as we saw earlier, refers to Jesus’ coming again, and as we know, He didn’t come in their lifetimes. We can also reasonably infer that we are about 2,000 years closer to His return in our day, yet we still don’t know when His return will happen. Most of you who read this are not in places where there is persecution. For us this should be so easy, it shouldn’t even be an issue, and yet more and more have forsaken the assembling of the believers together. Even among those who have not forsaken it, how much do we really encourage others?
Since I can only answer for myself, I guess we’ll leave that as a rhetorical question…
Life Project Blog 
“A group of believers in worship can bring attention, can be noticed.” And (bringing this forwards) if that weekly gathering is the sum of believing, then the questions really do start.
Yet the words “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” leaped out this morning Don. That place where smiting happened if you did not follow the code. Here we all are, sleeping and snoring, bitching and splintering, saying hallelujah and checking others are saying it the right way – all in the same sacred place where smiting took place. Crossed my mind, that if these bible guys could see us modern bible guys – it might raise a few more eyebrows than we care to consider.
Loving your reaching out.
Paul, I hate to even think what this guy would write to us today! His words might just ignite the paper in many cases…
Thanks, Don, for another great post. I am certainly enjoying our trip through Hebrews. You are a wonderful guide with great insights.
Thanks, I appreciate that!
Thankfully as we see in the Scripture below Don we will not be unaware of when Jesus returns…..
1 Thessalonians 5 :2 -6 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
We can see in these Scriptures and some others what signs we are to look for in the end times which we are now in the first part of, Mathew 24 – Mark 13 – Luke 21- Daniel 9 – 11 and 12 .Jesus tells us it is the Generation who sees these things happening, some of what we are seeing now as the birth pangs, who will see Him return.
We also see clearly in Revelation that the Church will be Raptured after experiencing some of the Tribulation This is called the first sickle and is for all those who come to heart repentance and so turn from evil and do good by the empowering of The Holy Spirit. Some of us will also be Martyred as they are now in some Countries. But we have a wonderful promise from God in the Scriptures below.
Luke 21:35-36 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV)
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to Parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
May you find in reflection Don that God’s words remain our guide in all our ways and times. (2Timothy 3 -17)
Christian Love from both of us – Anne
Thank you Anne!
I don’t know if you agree with what I am about to say, but I think if the light is within you, then it will shine no matter where you are; IF it is in you, it needs to shine and will shine and someone will see it. vw
Amen
Enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for another good one Don! What a blessing!
Thanks Elaine
I really enjoyed reading your post. “How much do we really encourage others?” I’m encouraged and have been reminded to encourage. Thanks! 🙂
I appreciate that, thank you!
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