Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
This (very long) sentence is so perfect and so complete. Jesus gave up his body which tore the curtain separating us from God. We are the recipients of this gift of grace. It is not a ticket to a life of sin with no consequences. It is the assurance of forgiveness, when we live as Christian believers. When we go to God and repent of our sins, we will be forgiven. Knowing this, we can live boldly as God's people. We will know when there is more to do, because we are living our lives loving one another. When we hurt someone, they deserve an apology and we should make amends the best we can. But in the end, we are forgiven by God.
Holy Lord, thank you for your abundant grace. I do try to live up to Jesus' teachings, but I know I fail. You know my heart, and what I long for. Forgive me for my sins, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
Tuesday May 2nd, 2023
Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 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
The curtain that previously prevented entrance into the Holy of Holies -- which is interpreted as Jesus' body who’s blood was shed by the sacrifice of himself and bringing us into his father’s presence. So we are to…
Hebrews 10:19-22 This is the perfect passage to sum up our week of readings. All the critical elements are here: grace, salvation in the sacrifice of Jesus, repentance, faith, assurance and forgiveness. All these elements are subjects of some of the greatest hymns of the faith. They are themes that remind us that this life is worth living as witness to the fact that God so loved the world and that Father, Son and Spirit will be with us till the end of the age.
Prayer - God of grace and forgiveness, prepare my heart each day to live in such a way as to reveal Your love for humankind and all creation. When I fall into sin, may it be…