Access to God (Heb. 10:19–23. (116)
Why is it called “new”? In distinction from the old way under the covenant of works, in keeping with the new covenant which was now only made manifest Eph. 3:5, and because of its perennial vigor—it will never grow old. This “way” unto God is also said to be a “living” one, and this for at least three reasons. First, in opposition unto the way to God under Judaism, which was by the death of an animal, and was the cause of death unto any who used it, excepting the high priest. Second, because of its perpetual efficacy: it is not a lifeless thing but has a spiritual and vital power in our access to God. Third, because of its effects: it leads to life, and effectually brings us thereunto. “It is called a living way, because all that symbolizes Christ must be represented as possessing vitality. Thus, we read of Him as the living stone, the living bread, etc.” (Adolph Saphir). This also looks to Christ’s resurrection: though slain, the grave could not hold Him; He is now “alive for evermore,” and by working in His people repentance, faith, and obedience, conducts them safely through unto life everlasting. This new and living way unto God has been “consecrated for us” by Christ. It is a consecrated by Him for the service and salvation of man; a way of access to the eternal sanctuary for the sinner which has been set apart by the Redeemer for this service of men” (A. Barnes). As Christ Himself is the “way,” the meaning would be, that He has dedicated Himself for the use of sinners in their dealings with God—“for their sakes I sanctify Myself” Jn 17:19. It is the “way” we are called upon to follow through this world as we journey to heaven, Christ has “consecrated” or fitted it for our use by leaving us an example that we should follow His steps—“when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them” Jn 10:4.
- “The phrase ‘consecrated for us’ giveth us to understand that Christ hath made the way to heaven fit for us, and this by His three offices. First, as a Priest, He hath truly dedicated it, and that by His own blood, as by the blood of sacrifices things were consecrated under the law. Christ by His blood has taken away our sins, which made the way to heaven impassible. Second, as a Prophet, He hath revealed and made known this way to us. This He did while He was on earth, by Himself; and since His taking into heaven, He hath done it by His ministers (Eph. 4:11). Third, as a King, He causes the way to be laid out, fenced in, and made common for all His people; so, as it may well be styled the King’s highway” (William Gouge).
- “Through the veil, that is to say, His flesh.” It is through the humanity of Christ that the way to heaven has been opened, renewed and consecrated. But prior to His death, there was an awful distance which sinners were from God, just as the beautiful veil in the tabernacle shut out the Israelite from His presence. Moreover, the humanity of Christ was a sin-bearing one, for the iniquities of His people had all been imputed to Him. While then, the flesh of Christ was uncrucified, the curse was not abolished. As long as He tabernacled in this world, it was evident that sin was not yet put away. The veil must be rent, Christ must die, before access to God was possible. When God rent the veil of the temple, clear intimation was given that every hindrance had been removed, and that the way was opened into His presence.
- “And having an High Priest over the house of God” (v. 21). Here is the third great privilege of the Christian, the third inducement which is presented to him for approaching unto God, the third character in which Christ is presented unto faith. Whereas it might be objected that though the door be opened and a new and living way consecrated, yet we are too impotent to walk therein, or too sinful to enter into the holiest; therefore, to obviate this, Christ is now set forth as Priest over the house of God. As Priest Christ is “ordained for men in things pertaining to God” (Heb. 5:1). He is a living Savior within the veil, interceding for His people, maintaining their interests before the Father.
