“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,”
My Notes
What Does Hebrews 10:19 Mean?
The writer of Hebrews announces the revolutionary access believers have: boldness to enter the holiest — the most sacred space, the Holy of Holies — by the blood of Jesus.
In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, and only with blood. Now every believer has boldness — confidence, freedom of speech, unrestricted access — to enter at any time.
"By the blood of Jesus" is the mechanism. The access was purchased by a specific price. You do not enter on your own merit. You enter through blood — the blood of the one who opened the way.
"By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" (v.20) — the veil that separated humanity from God's presence was torn when Jesus' flesh was torn on the cross. His death opened the way. His body was the veil.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does having 'boldness' to enter God's presence change your prayer life?
- 2.What does the torn veil mean for the barrier between you and God?
- 3.Why is boldness the appropriate response rather than timidity?
- 4.Where are you hesitating to approach God that this verse invites you forward?
Devotional
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Boldness. Not timidity. Not anxiety. Not uncertainty about whether you are welcome. Boldness.
The holiest — the place where God's presence dwelt. The place no one could enter except one person, once a year, with blood. You now have unrestricted access. Any time. Any day. Boldly.
By the blood of Jesus. The access cost a life. The door was opened by death. You walk through an entrance that was carved by sacrifice.
The veil was torn. The barrier between you and God's presence — gone. Not thinned. Not partially opened. Torn — from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). God tore it himself.
You have access to the most sacred space in the universe. Right now. Not because you earned it. Because blood was shed to open the way. The boldness is not presumption. It is the appropriate response to an invitation purchased at infinite cost.
Are you entering boldly? Or are you standing outside the torn veil, afraid to walk through?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
By a new and living way,.... Which is Christ, the God-man and Mediator; who is called the "new" way, not as to…
Having therefore, brethren - The apostle, in this verse, enters on the hortatory part of his Epistle, which continues to…
Having therefore, brethren, boldness - The apostle, having now finished the doctrinal part of his epistle, and fully…
I. Here the apostle sets forth the dignities of the gospel state. It is fit that believers should know the honours and…
An exhortation to Christian confidence and Fellowship
19. brethren Heb 3:1; Heb 3:12; Heb 13:22.
boldness to enter into…
Cross References
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