Page 26 - February 2025 - Truth & Tidings

ous “boldness” (lit. freedom of speech) to the priesthood, the terms “sprinkled”
to “enter into the holiest.” It is with the and “washed” remind us we have been
same boldness that we are to “come” (lit. sanctified to God. Having been set apart
draw near) to “the throne of grace” to at salvation, we have ongoing priestly re-
“obtain mercy, and find grace to help in sponsibilities as worshippers in the house
time of need” (4:16). We must not cast it of God (1Pe 2:5).
away (10:35).
The way into the holiest is “new” in “Let us hold fast the confession of the
the sense of being recently opened by hope unwavering” (10:23 JND). A believer
His death. The old was restrictive (“the is one who has confessed their hope in a
high priest alone,” 9:7), repetitive (“ev- person, “Jesus the Son of God” (4:14). He
ery year,” 9:7), and representative (“a is our only hope, and we must not waver
figure,” 9:9), whereas the new is open to in acknowledging Him as such, for “he is
all (“brethren,” 10:19), ongoing (“once for faithful” to His promise (see 6:12-19). He
all,” 10:10), and official (“the true,” 9:24). will not go back on His Word. It is “impos-
The way is “living” because of His resur- sible for God to lie” (6:18).
rection life – “He continueth ever” “in
the heavens,” “in the presence of God” The final exhortation calls for a mutual
(7:24; 8:1; 9:24). The expression “through exercise of sacrificial love – “let us con-
the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (10:10) sider … not forsaking … but exhorting ...”
clarifies that the “way” was inaugurated We are to give earnest, thoughtful atten-
through His death. This glorious truth was tion to how we can incite love in each other
introduced by the Lord Himself – “I am so that good works may abound (6:10). Of
the way, and the truth, and the life. No course, to stir one another up, we must be
one comes to the Father except through together frequently and in the habit of giv-
me” (Joh 14:6 ESV).
We also have a “high priest over the ing and receiving exhortation (3:13; 13:22).
house of God” (See 3:1-6; 4:14). His de- Tragically, some had abandoned assembly
ity gives us “full assurance of hope unto gatherings. Abandoning meeting together
the end” (6:11) in that His unchangeable is a mark of apostasy – it snubs God’s holy
priesthood is according to “the power of desire to dwell among us and spurns His
an endless life” (7:16). The “house” where- perfect method for stimulating patience,
in God is pleased to dwell is comprised of faith, hope and love. (Hence, the reason
“living stones” (1Pe 2:5) – “brethren” who for the earnest warning.) Dear reader, “the
“hold fast [their] profession” (10:23) and day” of review is at hand (10:25). Privilege
“confidence” in Christ (10:35). not only brings responsibility, but also
Requisite Responsibilities Behoving of accountability. Both “reward” and “loss”
Saints (10:22–25) are at stake (See 1Co 3:12-17; 2Co 5:10).
In light of these truths, the exhorta-
tion “let us draw near” beckons us to Assembly fellowship that brings plea-
approach with “a true heart in full as- sure to God demands faithfulness to the
surance of faith.” Our faith must not be truth we have received. How is it with us?
insincere or half-hearted. Drawing upon Are we faithful in His house? Hold fast and
the consecration of Aaron and his sons “continue steadfastly” (Act 2:42).

58 TRUTH kTidings February 2025