Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, 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. Hebrews 10:19–22 NKJV
It will be noticed that these four verses complete one full sentence. Earlier in Hebrews 10, the writer was demonstrating the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice. Here he goes on to show us that when the Lord Jesus appeared in order to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, He opened the way of approach and worship. You and I can now draw near to a holy God with hearts full of praise and worship!
While the privilege to draw near is truly amazing, that is not the only focus here: it is through a “new and living way.” The word living seems to reference the resurrection of our Lord, and this expression “a new and living way” stands in contrast to the whole Jewish system of approach and worship. We come into the presence of God by or through the finished work of a resurrected Savior! We are told in verse 19 that it is by the blood of Jesus. It is by His blood we are cleansed in the presence of God and can now enter in as worshipers (Heb. 9:14; 10:10, 14–17). Now in the presence of a God whose holiness is satisfied, we have a High Priest over the House of God. We are invited to go in within the veil as a worshiper!
As you prepare your heart to gather with other believers today, ponder the privilege of entering the presence of God, bow your heart in praise, and let your cup of worship overflow!
O God, we come with singing,
Because Thy great High Priest
Our names to Thee is bringing,
Nor e’er forgets the least.