The New and Living Way Through the Veil
Read Hebrews 10:19–22. What invitation do we have in this passage?
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The book of Hebrews argues that Jesus has entered into the heavenly
sanctuary and invites us to follow His lead. This idea agrees with the con-
ception introduced before that Jesus is the “captain” and “forerunner” of
believers (Heb. 2:10; Heb. 6:19, 20; Heb. 12:2). The “new and living way”
is the new covenant that Jesus inaugurated with His sacrifice and ascen-
sion. The expression “new and living” contrasts with the description of the
old covenant as “obsolete and growing old” (Heb. 8:13, NKJV). It is the
new covenant, which has provided forgiveness of sin and has put the law in
our hearts, that makes it possible for us to approach God with confidence,
not because of ourselves or anything we have done, but only because of
what Jesus has done for us by fulfilling all the covenant obligations.
Hebrews noted that the inauguration of the old covenant involved
the inauguration of the sanctuary and the consecration of the priests
(Heb. 9:18–21; compare with Exodus 40, Leviticus 8, Leviticus 9). The
purpose of the covenant was to create an intimate relationship between
God and His people (Exod. 19:4–6). When the Israelites accepted this
relationship, God immediately commanded that a sanctuary be built so
that He could live among them. The inauguration of the sanctuary and
God’s presence in the midst of His people marked the moment when
the covenant between God and Israel was completed.
The same is true of the new covenant. The new covenant also implies
the inauguration of Jesus’ priestly ministry in our behalf (Heb. 5:1–10,
Heb. 7:1–8:13).
Jesus’ ascension before God has inaugurated a new era for the people
of God. Zechariah 3 mentions that Satan was in the presence of God to
accuse God’s people, who were represented by the high priest Joshua.
This accuser is the same that raised questions about Job’s loyalty to
God (Job 1, Job 2). With the sacrifice of Jesus, however, Satan has
been cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:7–12, compare with John 12:31, John
16:11). Now it is Jesus who intercedes for us and through His sacrifice
and faithfulness claims salvation for us!
What accusations could Satan make against you before God, if
he were allowed? Though he is a liar, how much would he have to
lie about you in order to seek your condemnation? What’s your
only hope?