Hebrews has always been one of my favorite books of God’s holy word. As I read through and take time to meditate and study I am consistently blessed with a greater understanding of what the Lord Jesus did as well as what the Holy Spirit does. In chapter ten, again, it reiterates that the old covenant was but a shadow and that Jesus came to do the Father’s will (vs.9), to be a forever sacrifice for our sins.
Two verses stood out to me in the first half of the chapter. Verse 10 says, And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Verse 14 reads, For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Look at the words have been sanctified and are being sanctified. WOW! The power in the blood of Christ! Of infinite worth! By Christ’s blood I am made pure completely, but is is an ongoing thing to be finished at seeing Christ face to face. This is what I found in looking into the word sanctify.
Sanctify – hagiazo (Greek) (Webster 1828 Dictionary)
1. To cleanse, purify or make holy
2. To separate, set apart or anoint to a holy use
3. To purify; to prepare for divine service
4. To separate, ordain and appoint to the work of redemption
5. To cleans from corruption; to purity from sin, to make holy by detaching the affections from the world…
have been (vs.10) – are being (vs.14) It was done and continues to be done in us when we believe Christ. This is such a priceless treasure we have through the blood of Christ.
The author then goes on to say in verse 19, Therefore since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… Since Christ did all that for us, here’s what you can do in response, and we have an exhortation three times to – let us…in verses 22, 23 and 24.
1. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance (vs.22).
2. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (vs.23).
3. Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (vs.24).
*draw near – to God
*hold fast – to faith
*stir up – love and good works
Now that we are freed from the old covenant of works we can have confidence to draw near to God instead of being in fear and dread of His presence like the children of Israel were because they would be struck dead due to their uncleanness. That brings home the sanctification that Christ bought for us – with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (vs.22). Jesus Christ cleansed us and made us acceptable to God!
at the Lord's feet 