Hebrews 10. Therefore, brothers and sisters… (10:19) This statement is the bookend and closing argument for this extensive case about Jesus the great high priest and the new covenant – an argument that began back in Hebrews 4:14-16. Considering everything that has been explained in the last six chapters, how should we respond?!

Consider the command verbs in this section:

• Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (10:22). Remember that Jesus opened the way to God for us, and we can approach the throne of the Almighty with confidence. Jesus sits at his right hand, always interceding for us. We have been washed clean and given new hearts, and through the Holy Spirit we are enabled to live in accordance with God’s design for us.
  
• Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (10:23). God has been faithful to many generations, providing for them, protecting them, and making his way known to them. We can be confident that he who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.  
  
• Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another (10:24-25). Following Jesus is both an individual and community effort, it is not something intended to be done alone. We are to continually be encouraging each other toward love and good works. We are to hold each other accountable regarding spiritual growth and not let each other become lazy in the faith.
  
• Do not go on sinning deliberately (10:26-31). This is the fourth and most explicit warning passage in Hebrews about the dangers of apostasy. For those who once knew God, choosing to walk away from that relationship – out of stubbornness or because they are deceived by continual sin – has disastrous consequences.
  
• Recall the former days… and do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward (10:32,35). You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised (10:36). This community has survived struggle before and they are encouraged to remember what happened. The promise and the rewards are for those who persevere and finish the race of life with Jesus. We are called to endure – even in the face of hardship and persecution – and to hold on to the assurance that God is faithful.
  
• My righteous one shall live by faith (10:38). Do not turn away from faith in Christ but lean in and draw near to God. Have full confidence that God will care for you, as he did for all those who have gone before you. (More on that topic in Hebrews 11!)

Which encouragement do you need to hear today? To approach the throne of God with confidence in prayer? To ask for hope and strength to endure? To confess sin and repent, so it does not deceive you and tempt you to walk away from faith? To find a community that will encourage you and hold you accountable? To encourage someone else?

Hold fast. Do not throw away your confidence!