
DRAWING NEAR
Hebrews 10:19–25 NET
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.
Introduction
Every Christian knows what it feels like to drift — not in a dramatic way, but quietly, slowly, subtly. A little less prayer. A little less confidence. A little less gathering with God’s people. A little more fear. A little more guilt. A little more distance.
The writer of Hebrews understands this. He is writing to believers who are tired, discouraged, and tempted to pull back. They are wondering if following Jesus is worth it. They are tempted to shrink away from worship, from fellowship, and from hope.
So, before he gives them any commands, he reminds them of what Christ has already done. He does not begin with “Do better.” He begins with “You have access.”
He begins with privilege, not pressure.
He begins with grace, not guilt.
Hebrews 10:19–25 is one of the most beautiful invitations in the New Testament. It tells us what Christ has opened, what we now possess, and how we must respond.
I. The Privileges We Possess in Christ (vv. 19–21)
The writer begins with two breathtaking truths.
We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place (v. 19)
Under the old covenant, no one entered the Most Holy Place except the high priest — and only once a year. The curtain was a barrier, a warning, a reminder that sin separates us from God.
But now, because of Jesus’ blood, the curtain is torn.
The way is open.
Access is granted.
We do not come trembling.
We come confidently.
This is not arrogance.
It is assurance — assurance rooted in Christ’s finished work.
We have a new and living way (v. 20)
The writer says the curtain was opened “through His flesh.”
Christ’s torn body opened the way into God’s presence.
The way is new — not the old system of sacrifices.
The way is living — because Christ Himself is alive.
We have a great High Priest over God’s house (v. 21)
Jesus is not only the sacrifice; He is the priest who brings us to God.
He stands for us.
He intercedes for us.
These privileges are the foundation for everything that follows.
We do not obey to gain access.
We obey because access has already been given.
II. The First Response: Draw Near (v. 22)
Because the way is open, the writer says, “Let us draw near.”
Draw near with a sincere heart
God invites honesty, not performance.
He wants real hearts, not religious masks.
Draw near in full assurance of faith
Our confidence is not in our feelings but in Christ’s work.
We come because He has made us clean.
Draw near as cleansed people
The writer uses priestly language:
- “hearts sprinkled clean” — inner cleansing from guilt
- “bodies washed with pure water” — the outward sign of baptism
The point is simple:
You are welcome. You are clean. You are invited.
Worship is not timid.
It is bold — because Christ has opened the way.
III. The Second Response: Hold Fast (v. 23)
The Christian life is not only about drawing near; it is also about holding on.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.”
Hold fast the confession
The gospel is something we cling to.
It is our anchor in a drifting world.
Hold fast without wavering
The pressure to drift is real.
The temptation to compromise is real.
The writer calls for steady, stubborn perseverance.
Hold fast because God is faithful
This is the key.
We do not hold fast because we are strong.
We hold fast because He who promised is faithful.
Our grip may weaken.
His promise never does.
IV. The Third Response: Stir Up One Another (vv. 24–25)
Faith is personal, but it is never private.
The writer now turns from the vertical to the horizontal.
“Let us consider one another…”
Consider one another (v. 24)
This is intentional, thoughtful care.
It means thinking about others’ spiritual needs.
It means noticing who is struggling, who is drifting, who is hurting.
Stir up love and good works
The word “stir up” means to provoke, to spur, to ignite.
The church is a catalyst for obedience.
We help one another grow.
Do not neglect meeting together (v. 25)
Some were already drifting from the assembly.
The writer says: Don’t do that.
Isolation weakens faith.
Community strengthens it.
Gathering is not a habit.
It is a lifeline.
Encourage one another — especially as the Day approaches
The closer we get to Christ’s return, the more we need each other.
Encouragement is not optional; it is essential.
The church is God’s means of sustaining His people until the end.
V. The Message for Today
Hebrews 10:19–25 speaks directly to our moment.
We have access — so draw near
Don’t live at a distance.
Don’t let guilt or fear keep you away.
Christ has opened the way.
We have a confession — so hold fast
The world is shifting.
Truth is contested.
Hope is fragile.
But God is faithful.
We have a family — so stir up one another
We need each other.
We need encouragement.
We need presence.
We need community.
The Christian life cannot be lived alone.
Conclusion
The writer of Hebrews gives us three commands — but they all flow from one great truth:
Christ has opened the way to God.
So, draw near.
Hold fast.
Stir up one another.
And do it all with confidence, because the God who opened the way is the God who will keep you to the end.
So, we pray:
Lord, thank You for opening the way into Your presence.
Give us boldness to draw near, strength to hold fast,
and love to stir up one another as we wait for the Day of Christ.
Amen.



