Hebrews 10:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

NIV: Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

NASB: Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

CSB: Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus--

NLT: And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.

KJV: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

NKJV: Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,

This verse begins a transition between the main content of the book of Hebrews and its final applications. The writer has just completed a long, detailed explanation of how the new covenant, through Jesus, is superior to the old covenant, through animal sacrifices. This included references to many Old Testament Scriptures, as well as various arguments and proofs. Here, having given all of this support, the writer once again encourages readers to be confident in their faith.

The original audience of this letter was persecuted Jewish Christians of the early church. This entire writing is meant to motivate these believers. The writer wants them to be more diligent, more confident, and more proactive in their faith. The reference here to "brothers" emphasizes the fact that all of these words are written to saved Christians. Those who are saved have every reason to be confident in approaching God with their prayers (Hebrews 6:19–20), since Jesus fully understands what it means to be human (Hebrews 4:15–16).

Earlier passages pointed out that aspects of the old covenant were meant to symbolize its own limitations. Those symbols, themselves, were meant to foreshadow the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The next verse will highlight a potent symbol of the old covenant: a curtain which formed a barrier between the people and God.

Hebrews 10:19–25 is an encouraging bridge between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses completed a long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This section is meant to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is perhaps the sternest warning given in this letter about the danger of ''falling away'' from the faith.

God's own words, found in the Old Testament Scriptures, declare His intention to replace the old covenant with a new covenant. Jesus fulfills all of these prophecies, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that Jesus Christ is, undoubtedly, God's remedy for our sin, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means dire spiritual consequences for those who know Christ's salvation, but choose to act in defiance of His will.

Chapter 10 completes the long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Starting in chapter 7, the writer gave various arguments and Scriptures to support this idea. The theme of these points is that God had always intended to send Jesus, as the real fulfillment of the old covenant's symbolism. The second half of this chapter transitions into more practical ideas, including an extremely dire warning about the dangers of apostasy.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.