Encounter the Truth

In light of all the truths we have learned in chapters five to ten, we now reach the heart of the exhortation of the letter: we must draw near, hold fast our confession, consider how to stir up one another, and we must never throw away our confidence.

Unlike the sacrifices of old, the sacrifice of Jesus is complete. God prepared for him a human body that he might make this sacrifice. And his self-offering means that we who belong to him are perfected, and no offering for sin is needed anymore.

Unlike the sacrifices of old, the sacrifice of Jesus is complete. God prepared for him a human body that he might make this sacrifice. And his self-offering means that we who belong to him are perfected, and no offering for sin is needed anymore.

Jesus’ sacrifice did what the animal sacrifices never did: it cleanses our conscience to make us fit for service in the very presence of God. We have the joy of true cleansing, a clear conscience, and access to God in heaven. We must delight in our cleansing and access, drawing near to God by faith.

Jesus’ sacrifice did what the animal sacrifices never did: it cleanses our conscience to make us fit for service in the very presence of God. We have the joy of true cleansing, a clear conscience, and access to God in heaven. We must delight in our cleansing and access, drawing near to God by faith.

The change of the priesthood means the introduction of a new covenant which is better in every way. God’s law is on our heart, we know the Lord personally, and he has forgiven our sin. We must rejoice in the privilege we have—and not drift from all we have in Christ.

The change of the priesthood means the introduction of a new covenant which is better in every way. God’s law is on our heart, we know the Lord personally, and he has forgiven our sin. We must rejoice in the privilege we have—and not drift from all we have in Christ.

Jesus is the greater Priest who lives forever, and so he "can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Our salvation is sure and certain—and can never be undermined.

Jesus is the greater Priest who lives forever, and so he "can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Our salvation is sure and certain—and can never be undermined.

Here is a rebuke for the believer who has not made appropriate progress in the faith. And here is a warning that is designed to keep us close to Jesus—and to unsettle any who may not be truly converted. But the comfort is that true believers are safe in Christ because God’s promise and saving action in Jesus is our sure hope, an anchor for the soul.