Verse of the Day 4-28-22

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

Because of the fullness of the New Covenant and the eternal forgiveness enacted by Jesus’ ministry, the author of Hebrews summons his audience to the full assurance of faith and salvation. The first words of verse 19 thunder as inescapable words of glory. The author says believers should “have confidence” to enter the heavenly Most Holy Place through the blood of Jesus Christ. In other words, ALL OF GOD’S PEOPLE EVERYWHERE HAVE ACCESS DIRECTLY TO GOD THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST. We come to God, not through a physical curtain in an earthly tabernacle, but through the flesh of Christ torn for us that we might have access to God.

Jesus Christ, as the Great High Priest, has washed away all the sins of his people. This does not mean that we as followers of Christ will never struggle with temptation and sin. Indeed while we as followers of Christ remain in a body of flesh, we will still sin. That is why the author calls his readers to hold unswervingly to the confession of the faith and to encourage all those who are followers of Christ to persevere. The author knows the deceitfulness of sin. That is why we as followers of Christ need the body of Christ-the church. The community of God will serve one another and help each other remember the glorious salvation and assurance we have through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ.

Today’s Bible Readings:

Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalm 99:1-9 and Proverbs 14:9-10