Access to God (Heb. 10:19–23. (114)
Having demonstrated the vast superiority of Christianity over Judaism, the apostle now exhorts his Christian readers to avail themselves of all their blessed advantages and enjoy the great privileges which have been conferred upon them. We access to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way. All difficulties have been removed, perfectly and forever. He who is the way is also the end of the way; He is even now our great Priest, interceding for us, and our all-sufficient Mediator. “On this foundation rests a threefold exhortation. 1. Let us draw near with a true heart, in the full assurance of faith. 2. Let us hold fast the profession of hope without wavering. 3. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, laboring and waiting together, and helping one another in the unity of brethren. Faith, hope, and love—this is the threefold result of Christ’s entrance into heaven, spiritually discerned. A believing, hoping, and loving attitude of heart…” Adolph Saphir. “…The privilege which we have in being admitted to them, and accepted with them, all taken from the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, with the effects of them, and the benefits which we receive thereby” (John Owen).
- “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (v. 19). ch. 4:16; 12:28, Rom. 8:15, Ep. 3:12, 2Tim. 1:7, 1Jn. 3:19–21; 4:17. “The paragraph vv. 19–23, obviously consists of two parts: —a statement of principles, which are taken for granted as having been fully proved; and an injunction of duties grounded on the admission of these principles” J. Brown. The great privilege which is here announced unto Christians is that they may draw near unto God as accepted worshippers. The principal points which the apostle had been treating of, namely, first, Christians have liberty to enter the presence of God (v. 19). Second, a way has been prepared for them so to do (v. 20). Third, a Guide is provided to direct them in that way (v. 21). These three points are here amplified by showing the nature of this “liberty”: it is with “boldness,” to enter the presence of God, and that by virtue of Christ’s blood. The “way” is described as a “new” and “living” one, and it is ready for our use because Christ has “consecrated” it. The “Guide” is presented by His function, “priest”; His dignity, “great”; His authority, “over the house of God.” Pink A. W. “The way by which we have access to God, enters further into the particulars of it, v. 20. As, 1. It is the only way; there is no way left but this. The first way to the tree of life is, and has been, long shut up. 2. It is a new way, both in opposition to the covenant of works and to the antiquated dispensation of the Old Testament; it is via—the last way that will ever be opened to men. Those who will not enter in this way exclude themselves for ever. It is a way that will always be effectual. 3. It is a living way. It would be death to attempt to come to God in the way of the covenant of works; but this way we may come to God, and live. It is by a living Saviour, who, though he was dead, is alive; and it is a way that gives life and lively hope to those who enter into it. 4. It is a way that Christ has consecrated for us through the veil, that is, his flesh. The veil in the tabernacle and temple signified the body of Christ; when he died, the veil of the temple was rent in sunder, and this was at the time of the evening sacrifice and gave the people a surprising view into the holy of holies, which they never had before.” M. Henry
- “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” To “enter into the holiest” is to “draw near” unto God in Christ. Jn. 14:6. The “Holiest” here is Heaven, the dwelling-place of God, being designated the holy of holies. Heb. 9:12, 24. Under Judaism, the Israelites were rigidly excluded from drawing nigh unto Jehovah; His dwelling-place was sealed against them. Nay, even the Levites, were barred from the holy of holies. But now we enjoy free access unto God, to enter His temple as worshippers, to sit at His table as happy children. The parable in Lk 15, the prodigal son. Inside the House. Sovereign grace had given him boldness to “enter.” And he had received the “kiss, the best of robes, and thus he was fitted to enjoy the father’s house. The word says “by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.”
