Better Together by Reconciling Grace

Hebrews 10:19-25 

19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Because Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice paid the price of admission to God’s inner sanctuary, we can come boldly, confidently holding nothing back as the word παρρησία (parrēsia) describes.  This new way to approach God freely is the way of life in Him who tore away the separating veil between us and the Holy One, allowing us to meet our High Priest at His throne of glory and holiness by His covering blood and justifying righteousness over us.  We can be fully assured of our salvation, our reconciliation, with cleansed hearts made new with the desire to live His Law and with a cleansed conscience able to trust we will persevere to the end because of His work and promises of effectual grace.  Why waver in believing when we know His promise to hold us forever (Isaiah 43:13, John 10:28-29)?  God is faithful and true, and we are assured by that faith given to us and witnessed by the Spirit given us.  This is why we meet together in reconciling grace to encourage and challenge each other, reminding ourselves of this Rock we confess we stand firmly upon.  We stir up the love and doing good we were made for (Ephesians 2:10) as we eagerly desire to come together in His name.  We do not find accusations and excuses to stay away from the local church, but make every glad effort to meet for these things, especially as time runs out and eternity approaches with the final judgement.  We are best together by God’s reconciling grace in Christ for our sanctification, the salvation of those who have not yet heard, and above all for God’s glory, honor, and praise!