“…He Who promised is faithful…” Hebrews 10:23
/The letter to first century Hebrew Christians continues in Chapter Ten describing The Law (Mosaic Law: the decalogue and Levitical law) as a “shadow of the good things that are coming” (v.1a). The ceremonial practices repeated “endlessly” through the years would never make perfect those who drew near to worship (1b), for if those practices had worked to make one perfect, the sacrifices, which continued in that day, would have stopped (v.2).
The writers quoted from King David’s prophetic writing (Psalm 40:6-8), explaining how the first covenant had to be set aside to establish the new covenant made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (vv. 3 – 10). A concise, yet clear, explanation was offered which re-articulated the point given above, offering further support from the sacred texts (Jeremiah 31:33-34; vv. 11 – 18). Inserted within this section of the letter is a description of a dynamic occurring in the life of every believer: transformation… from worldly to holy… though imperfect, Believers have been made perfect through faith in Christ. We are seen as perfect by God while being made holy in the likeness of His Son (v.14).
The reader is then presented some of the most encouraging words in the entire New Testament:
“Therefore, brothers, 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 in full assurance of faith, 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.” (vv. 19 – 23).
Those words were radical for that day. The Believer could now draw near to God personally, without interference or delay because of a living, risen Savior! The same is true to this day: we are assured, promised, guaranteed acceptance before God because of the access Jesus provides. We need only draw near to God in sincerity of faith. We are made white as snow, washed with the pure water of faith, cleansed from any guilt. We don’t have to beat-up on ourselves any longer… HE accepts us!
In the remaining lines of the chapter, Christians are directed to:
Be creative in how others can be encouraged in lives of love and charity (v.24);
Continue the practice of corporate worship, even in the face of persecution and adversity (vv. 25);
Resolve to live lives which reject opportunities to sin (vv. 26 – 31);
Remember their zeal of their first days as a Believer, when
§ Standing one’s ground in the face of suffering,
§ Publicly exposed to insult and ridicule,
§ Sympathizing with those imprisoned for their faith,
§ Enduring the confiscation of one’s property for remaining faithful (vv. 32 - 34).
The writers concluding remarks offer further encouragement to persecuted Christians, directing them to not throw away one’s confidence or faith in Christ, citing the eternal benefit and reward for remaining steadfast in the faith. They were encouraging those first century Christians to persevere, even unto death, knowing God will greatly reward those who are true (vv. 35 – 39).
Do you see a time coming in our day when Christians could face threats similar to that of Christians in the first century? Don’t be deceived. The possibility is quite real, and the threat of such is occurring at an increasing rate with each passing day.
This letter is just as relevant in our day as it was two thousand years ago. I share this blog… these five understandable words… to encourage your faith and your piety – your faith practice. Pray, asking God for power to overcome sin. Be sincere in your prayers to God. Keep worshiping with fellow Believers, and encourage them with God’s Word.
Keep the faith, because HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL!