“Come to God Confidently”
HEB. 10:19-22
SUBJECT: AUTHORITY IN PRAYER
THEME: Regularly Engaging in Prayer Communication with the Lord Becomes More Inviting When We Review Our God Given Privileges, Authority, and Power in the Light of Our Lord’s Cross. This is How We Begin to Appreciate the Power we Have with God and a Satisfying Relationship with Him.
RELEVANCE: Many believers Have Problems developing intimacy with God because they aren’t sure they belong in the presence of the Lord. They are uncomfortable talking with and approaching God, they wonder and even doubt if He really accepts them. Not realizing that we are privileged to access God as priests can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness in approaching the throne of grace. We must understand that we are not merely tolerated in His presence, but we are ushered in by Jesus Christ and have a right to be there because of His cross and blood sacrifice. Therefore, without any reservations we should freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ. It’s not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross!
INTRODUCTION:
1. The
Blood of Christ Has Been Ridiculed and Degraded Much in Recent Years. Reduced to the significance of human
blood and stripped of its true glory, import, power, and vitality. But when we look at Scripture, even at a
glance we can clearly see that the blood of Jesus Christ lays the foundation
for our redemption and all the inheritance we enjoy as believers. Truly Jesus paid it all and all to Him we
owe!
2. The Word of God teaches that the death and the blood of Christ were essential to salvation. The O.T. sacrifices depicted how God's Son, Jesus Christ, would pay the price for our sin (Heb. 9-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). Jesus' death alone could not save us; His blood was required. In Rom. 5:9-10 we see the two together. Verse 9 says we are justified "by his blood," and v. 10 says we are reconciled "by his death." Leviticus chapters 1-9 describe the Old Testament sacrifices, which depicted Christ's one atoning Sacrifice. In Leviticus 1-9 the word "death" is mentioned 22 times, whereas the word "blood" is mentioned 44 times. Again, we see that BOTH “blood” and “death” were required for the atonement of Christ.
MESSAGE:
I. Recount the Benefits We Have Because of the Blood of Christ.
A. What Does Jesus' Blood Do
for the Believer?
* Justifies us as repentant
sinners (Ro. 5:9).
* Unifies believers in
sweet communion (1 Co. 10:16).
* Provides eternal
redemption and forgiveness (Ep.
1:7; 1 Pe. 1:18,19; He. 9:12).
* Grants believers peace
with God (Col. 1:20).
* Purges our conscience and
inward life (He. 9:14).
* Sanctifies us (He. 13:12).
* Cleanses from all sin (1 Jn. 1:7).
* Frees from sins (Re. 1:5).
* Gives victory over Satan
(Re. 12:11).
* Brings us near to God (Ep. 2:13).
* Grants access into God's presence (He. 10:19).
Certainly the significance of the blood of Jesus Christ is greatly upheld in the Word of the Living God. It is the carnal, arrogant, and sinful mind that concludes anything less then these things. The blood secures for us access to God among so many other vital blessings!
B. We Have Some Unique
Honors Like Prayer!
No old covenant worshiper would have been bold enough to try to enter the holy of holies in the tabernacle. Even the high priest entered the holy of holies only once a year. The thick veil that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was a barrier between people and God. Only the death of Christ could tear that veil (Mark 15:38) and open the way into the heavenly sanctuary where God dwells. Prayer is one of the many privileges afforded to believers through the blood of Christ.
II. Pray Like a Priest with Unique Privileges (Heb. 10:19-25).
Hebrews 10:19, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus,
Hebrews 10:21-22, And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
A. Come To Your Heavenly Father with Complete Confidence.
1. Because of Confidence in Your High Priest.
Jesus Christ is our High Priest, and every believer is a priest to offer the sacrifice of praise to God through Him. Hebrews 13:15 says, “By him [Jesus Christ] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Not merely entering God’s presence and then leaving, but actually living and dwelling there “continually”.
2. Because of Confidence in Your Personal
Escort.
Through Christ, the believer is ushered into God's very presence. What
a marvelous escort!
Ephes. 3:12, In whom [Jesus Christ] we
have boldness and access with
confidence by the faith of him.
Ephes. 2:18-19, For through him [Jesus Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
The word "access" pictures being presented to a king in his throne room. Or even like a Father who walks the isle with the young bride and presents her to the groom at the altar. The One we come to see is not only the King but "the Father"—the One who has adopted us as his very own children (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6). There is no reason at all for a child of God to shy away from the throne of their heavenly Father. In fact, to do so is an act of doubting the completeness of Christ blood sacrifice for our sin.
3. Because of Confidence in the Holy Spirit.
Christ provides the access to the Father by the Holy Spirit, who helps us when we pray (Eph 2:18; Rom 8:26-27). All believers have direct access to God through Christ by means of the Holy Spirit. This "access" refers to God's presence and power as well as to the blessings of His kingdom. Because of Christ, all believers can "come boldly unto the throne of grace" (Heb 4:16).
B. Boldly Enter the Holiest of All! Heb. 10:19-20
The passage declares the superiority of Christ and the salvation He offers.
1. Because We Have Direct
Access to God.
Perhaps it was through understanding what the Old Testament worshiper could not do, that we would began to appreciate what the NT worshiper can do. We have become so accustomed to our privileges that we fail to realize their importance and literally take them for granted.
NOTE: “The Holiest” (Heb. 10:19; Heb 9:12).
* Was the most sacred inner room in the
tabernacle and the temple.
* Was where only the
high priest was allowed to go.
* Was separated from the
rest of the temple worship area by a sacred veil or curtain.
* It Represented the
visible presence of God in all His power and holiness.
* It Contained the ark
of the covenant, covered by the sacred mercy seat (Ex. 25:10–22).
* It was entered Once a
year on the Day of Atonement.
* Only the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with sacrificial blood and made atonement before God for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). — (From “Holy Place,” Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
APPLICATION: Because of Jesus Christ every single believer is a priest with the privilege of entering the presences of God AS OFTEN AS WE NEED OR WOULD LIKE TO. The veil of Christ’s flesh has been rent and the way to God flung wide open for every believer without any exception. We can confidently enter the presence of God without any fear because of the cross of Jesus Christ our great High Priest! We don’t need a human earthly priest, you are one! We do not merely enter an earthly temple; you enter Heaven itself and make your appeal directly to God in the thrown of grace. You have direct access to God at anytime, in any place, under all conditions and circumstances.
2.
Because of the Complete Payment for Sin. Heb. 10:12-18
Hebrews 10:14, For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
We can approach God and enjoy intimate communication with Him when we recognize that our sin has been completely paid for by the one ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we compare Christ’s payment for sin with that of the OT, we discover that there are many sin reminders, but only one sin remover according to Heb 10:1-18. Note these important facts:
A. Moses’ Sacrifices Were Sin Reminders, Not Sin
Removers. (Heb. 10:1-4)
The fact that they had to be offered continually proves that they could never totally remove sin. The best they could do is be a continual reminder of that sin (Heb.10:3; see Rom 3:20).
B. Christ’s One Sacrifice Removed All Sin
Forever for Believers. (Heb. 10:5-10)
But Christ's body, offered once for all, can remove all sin for all time, for those who believe.
C. Christ’s Sacrificial Work is Finished and
Complete. (Heb. 10:11-14)
OT priests stood while performing their duties, for their work was never done.
1. Christ is Seated Because He is
Finish.
But Christ, having offered the perfect sacrifice once for all, is seated at God's right hand.
2. Christ Has Installed the New
Covenant.
With the New Covenant in place because of Christ's death, there is no more need for offerings for sin (Heb. 10:15-18; see Jer 31:31-34).
D. Christ’s Sacrifice Perfects/Completes and
Sanctifies the Believer.
Christ's death "perfected" or sanctified, once for all, "them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Sanctification is both an accomplished fact and an ongoing process:
1. All Who Accept Christ's Death on Their Behalf Are Sanctified in His Sight (see Heb. 2:11; 10:10; John 17:17,19; 1 Cor 1:2,30; 6:9-11; Eph 5:25-26; 1 Thess 5:23).
2. But Sanctification Is Also a Growth Process in Which We Are to Take an Active Part (see Heb. 2:11; Lev 19:2; Rom 6:19; 1 Thess 4:1-7; 2 Tim 2:21; 1 Peter 1:15).
APPLICATION: Because the payment for our sin is complete we can boldly enter the “holiest of all,” the very presence of God, without any fear of rejection or judgment. Christ sacrifice has made this possible, this is our privilege as believers. God views us as “sanctified”—set apart for Him and His purposes!
3.
Because of the Precious Blood of Christ. Heb. 10:19, “enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus”
A gracious invitation is found in these familiar verses (vv. 19-25). "Let us draw near... Let us hold fast . . . Let us consider one another." This threefold invitation hinges on our boldness to enter into the holiest.
A. Enter Fully into the Reality of Your
Salvation (Heb.10:19-23).
Heb. 10:19, “boldness to enter into the holiest”
1. Entrance Through the Blood. Through his death on our behalf, we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus.
2. Admission Through the Blood. The word "enter" means admission, authorization for access. The price paid for our salvation gives us authority or a right to enter the presence of a thrice holy God! Believers have access to the heavenly sanctuary; that is, they have free access to God any time and anywhere.
ILLUSTRATION: It’s much like southern hospitality. Years ago, in the southern US people really pride themselves on making their guests feel completely at home. They would encourage a visitor to remove his shoes and sit and visit a while. They would prepare a little something special in the way of a meal or snack to accommodate their guest. They might even keep a little something set aside in anticipation of a guest. Another interesting aspect of southern hospitality was the way they readily invited their guests into the home upon their arrival. If someone knocked at the door, they would not go and answer it, but simply say “Come on in, the door is open!” If the individual was especially intimate with the family, all they had to do was simply walk on in without even knocking or ringing the doorbell. They were just like the rest of the family; therefore, the door was always open to them. In other words when we enter the presence of the Lord in Heaven, it’s just like God has already said “Come on in the door is open to you permanently!” Why wait for a special invitation when you are a part of the family and belong there.
B. Encourage Other Believers to Do the Same (Heb.10:24-25).
Again, this boldness (freedom to speak, license, and authority) rests on the finished
work of the Savior’s blood sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:12-15, Neither by the blood of
goats and calves, but by his own blood
he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of
goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the
purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself
without spot to God, purge your
conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [15] And for this cause
he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the
redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they
which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
1 Peter 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
On the Day of Atonement, the high priest could not enter the holy of holies unless he had the blood of the sacrifice (Heb 9:7). But our entrance into God's presence is not because of an animal's blood, but because of Christ's shed blood.
APPLICATION: Our priest has entered with
His own blood, let us follow Him beyond the veil! It is a wonderful thing to enter
the presence of God with the reassurance that others are taking our specific
need before Him also. The Father on His
throne will hear our prayers as we band together to cry out to Him. Our cries will come up on the east, west,
north, and south side of His throne as we all cry out together in concerted
prayer. We are not left to trust God
alone, nor to feel isolated in our prayer ministry. What a means of
encouragement prayer ministry could be to us all. And it’s our privilege because of the blood
of Christ!
