Your Invitation

 “Your Invitation: Access to God through Christ”

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: 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: 

Christ now sits at God's right hand as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 6:19-20; 8:1-2; 9:11-12, 24).  If we become too focused on our own performance then we’ll shy away from the presence of God in prayer, but if we maintain a constant focus on Christ’s perfection and complete sacrifice then we’ll always know that we are welcome in the King’s throne room!  We have access based on the presence of our high priest, not our performance!

FAITHFULLY CONSIDER JESUS OUR HIGH PRIEST!  Heb. 10:21-22

   1.  Because He is the New and Living Way.  Heb. 10:20, “By a new and living way”

Christ's body represents the veil that separated us from God's presence in the Most Holy Place (Heb. 10:20). Therefore, when he died on the cross, that veil was literally torn asunder (see Mark 15:38).  Through his flesh Jesus opened the new and living way.

       A.  Christ is the New Way!  Heb. 10:20

More than just the curtain was torn; Christ's body was also torn. As Christ's body was torn in his excruciating death on the cross, people received access to God. This open freeway into God's presence is "new" (recent fresh).

            1.  Because He Established the New Covenant.   Heb 10:19-20 (Also see Heb. 10:16-20).

It is not a part of the Old Covenant that "waxed [grows] old [and] is ready to vanish away" (Heb 8:12-13). 

This way was "new" because:

                   A.  It had not existed before under the Old Covenant.  It is not a way provided by the Levitical system (See Heb. 7:18-19, 22).

                   B.  It was new because this was the "new covenant," opening the way to fellowship with God.  The way is new because the covenant is new.

             2.  Because He Truly Is "The Way" Itself (John 14:6).

John 14:6,  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

                   A.  The Way to Approach God Boldly.

Because of Christ, all believers may walk into God's presence at any time (Heb. 4:16).  Though it is the path of eternal life, it was not opened by Christ’s sinless life—it required His death. See Heb. 2:17,18; 4:16.

                   B.  The Way to Life and Liberty.

The Hebrews were invited to embark on this way which is characterized by the eternal life of the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them (John 14:6; Gal. 2:20).

                   C.  The Way to Live by Faith.

The Christian faith was known as “the Way” among the Jews of Jerusalem (Acts 9:2) as well as among the Gentiles (Acts 19:23). Those receiving this epistle understood quite clearly that the writer was inviting them to become steadfast Christians—to join those who had been persecuted for their faith. True believers in their midst were even then suffering persecution, and those who had not committed themselves to the Way were asked to become targets of the same persecution.

APPLICATION:  Do not miss the amazing reality in these words. We believers have access to God -- the sovereign king of the universe!  There is no other way to approach a thrice holy God with complete confidence and assurance.  No other priest, institution, nor even your own goodness could secure this for you!  When was the last time you utilized the full value of this privilege? The presence and closeness of God is available to you.

       B.  Christ is the Living Way!   Heb. 10:20  “By a new and living way”

It is "living" because Christ "ever liveth to make intercession" for us (Heb 7:25).   It is called a "living way," because it is a method that imparts life, or because it leads to life and happiness.

APPLICATION:  Christ is the new and living way! We come to God through Him, our High Priest over “the house of God” (the NT believer, see Heb 3:6). When His flesh was torn on the cross, and His life sacrificed, God tore the veil in the temple. This symbolized the new and living way now opened for all who believe.

On the basis of these assurances - that we have boldness to enter because we have a living High Priest - we have an "open invitation" to enter the presence of God. The Old Covenant high priest visited the holy of holies once a year, but we are invited to dwell in the presence of God every moment of each day. What a tremendous privilege!

   2.  Because  He is Christ, Our Great High Priest!  Heb.  10:21, “And having an high priest”

We not only have great confidence when we enter the presence of God; we also have a great high priest residing over the household of God. So what exactly is Christ doing right now? What has Christ provided?

 The Bible tells us: 

 *  Christ presides at God's right hand, a place of distinction, uniqueness, and power (Heb.1:3; 8:1).

 *  Christ intercedes for us before God (Heb. 7:25; 9:24).

 *  Christ stands as our mediator (John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5).

 *  Christ functions as the head of the church (Eph 4:15).

 *  Christ, through the Holy Spirit, leads and guides us (John 14:26; 16:13).        

But there is more to His present ministries that has greater application to our prayer lives.

         A.  Because Christ is the High Priest, the Entire Household of God are Also Priests.  Heb.  10:21

We come to God through Him, our High Priest over “the house of God” (the NT believer, see Heb 3:6).  Because of His ministry before the Father, we have a ministry to the Father and humanity.

               1.  Only Aaron’s Sons Were Allowed to Be Priest; Those of His Own Household. 

A careful study of the phrase “Aaron’s sons” in the book of Exodus and Leviticus would demonstrate that only His ‘household’ were to be priests.  Consider the following verses: 

Exodus 28:1,  And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

Exodus 28:40,  And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

Leviticus 1:5,  And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 8:24,  And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

Leviticus 9:12,  And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.  (Also see Lev. 1:8;1:11; 2:2 ; 3:2 ; 3:5; 3:8; 8:13; 9:18). 

Service in the office of a priest was exclusively the privilege of Aaron and his sons.  Aaron was the high priest, therefore his sons served as priests.  No other Jew had a right to this opportunity.

                 2.  Every Individual Believer is a Priest in the Household of God.  Heb.  10:21

Aaron's sons typify Christians who have been made priests in Christ.

Hebrews 10:21,  And having an high priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 3:6,  But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.   

We, as believers, are called “the house of God.”  In the Old Testament, God's "house" referred exclusively to his people, the Jews. But under the new covenant, God's "house" refers to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, accepting his sacrifice for their sins -- whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Over this house rules ‘a great high priest (Jesus Christ) who opened the way into God's presence. As the perfect Mediator, Christ accompanies Christians into the very throne room of God.

Therefore, as members of that house, we are encouraged to approach God: “let us draw near”  to God.  This agrees wonderfully with the other challenges to believers as priests.  

1 Peter 2:5, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9,  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Rev. 1:6,  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

          B.  Because of Christ, the Veil No Longer Blocks Access to God.  Vs. 10:20

In order for us to have access into God’s presence, the veil had to be rent, that is His body had to be broken in death.  When Jesus’ flesh was torn at His crucifixion, so was the temple veil that symbolically separated men from God’s presence (Matt. 27:50-51).

APPLICATION:  This reminds us that we cannot draw near by Christ’s sinless life, but only by His death in our stead.  Only through the mortal wounds of the Lamb can we go in.  Every time we enter the presence of God in prayer or in worship, let us remember that the privilege was bought for us at a tremendous price!

          C.  Because of Christ, Human Nature No Longer Blocks Access to God.  Heb 10:20

                 1.  Here “flesh” is literally referring to Christ’s “body” (Heb. 10:10).   

                 2.  But, symbolically it refers to the human nature of mankind thus the use of  “flesh.”  The sinful flesh nature of man presented a formidable barrier for us before an holy God!  The penalty required for the sinful flesh nature was completely satisfied!  Christ's suffering in the “flesh” forever removes this barrier. As his body was torn on the cross, so the veil between God and men was torn,  giving us immediate access to God. 

When the High-Priest on the Day of Atonement entered the Holy of Holies, the people waited outside for him to return. When Christ entered the heavenly temple finally, He did not return. Instead, He opened the curtain and exposed the Holy of Holies so that we could follow Him in.  In Adam’s nature we are blocked, but in Christ’s new nature and broken body we have access to God.

ILLUSTRATION:                                   A NEW LEADER

“Every four years in American politics, voters look for a new vision, a new agenda, a new leader. Every day on the sandlot or basketball court, teams look for leaders to emerge, with victory hanging in the balance.

The "house of God" refers to you and all believers across the globe. The great High Priest, in ancient times the spiritual leader of God's people, is Jesus -- crucified once for sin, risen to life, ascended to heaven -- a leader for all times.

With this new leadership, you should.

*   Feel your own life has vitality and purpose, serving Jesus with energy and devotion.

*   Feel anew the hope of promises yet to come, following the leader to a heavenly home.

*   Feel the courage swell to carry your load, however heavy, with our leader close at hand.

*   Drop whatever holds you back and follow closely -- in prayer, study, and service -- every day.”-- (from The Life Application Commentary Series)

   3.  Because Christ Affords Us an Invitation and Access to God!  Heb. 10:22-23 “let us draw near”

This is the believer’s wonderful blood bought privilege!  

      A.  We Have a Special Invitation.    Heb. 10:22,  “let us draw near” 

Hebrews 7:19,  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

           1.  Not an Invitation From Some Celebrities, But God!

How exciting beyond all words and languages that we are actually invited to have audience, not with this world’s celebrities, but with the Sovereign of the universe!  The extent to which we value the invitation is shown in our response to it.

          2.  This Same Invitation Is Repeated Several Times.

Consider (James 4:8), where James reveals the corollary of drawing near to God: God will draw near to you.

James 4:8,  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Asaph taught that it is a good thing to draw near to God (Ps. 73:28).

Psalm 73:28,  But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

      B.  We Have a Spiritual Preparation.

This verse describes the prerequisites for entering the presence of God ( Ps. 15): sincerity, security, salvation, and sanctification.  There is a four fold description of how we should spiritually prepare ourselves for entering the throne room.

          1.  Come With a True Heart.   Heb 10:21-22

Of course, we must prepare ourselves spiritually to fellowship with God.  The word “true” carries the ideas of being sincere, genuine, and without ulterior motive (Jer. 24:7; Matt. 15:8).  It is with a true and sincere heart that we should come. We come:

           *   Not Halfheartedly or with Improper Motives or Pretense. 

           *   But instead with Pure, Undivided, and Sincere Worship.

This is one thing these particular Hebrews lacked: genuine commitment to Christ.

APPLICATION: Let us refuse to be like Israel, who would honor Him with their words, but their hearts were far from Him.  Jesus said of the Jews, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”  (Matt. 15:8)   No! Our approach should be with utter sincerity!  May we be more like the Psalmist who said, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”  (Psalm 119:34).

We can know we have a sincere and “true heart” if we evaluate our thoughts and motives according to His Word.  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12).

          2.  Come With Complete Confidence.  Heb 10:22 

“In full assurance of faith” is the second matter of spiritual preparation and grooming. See also Heb. 6:11.

Hebrews 6:11,  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

“Full assurance of faith”  means total confidence in the promises and provisions of God.  Such confidence will result in heartfelt assurance or security which will allow them to persevere through the coming trials.

             A.  Because We are Sure We Have Been Accepted.

The word "assurance" means with no doubt as to our acceptance when coming to God by the blood of Christ.  Christians can approach God boldly, free from guilt because of the work of Jesus Christ.

             B.  Because We Have No Doubts Lingering At All.

We can go to God without doubting, knowing that he will hear and answer us. James 1:6-8 carries this same thought.  Thus we draw near to God with complete confidence in the promises of God and with the firm conviction that we shall have a gracious reception into His presence.

ILLUSTRATION:  “Picture it this way. Imagine that you are an ice skater in competition. You are in first place with one more round to go. If you perform well, the trophy is yours. You are nervous, anxious, and frightened.

Then, only minutes before your performance, your trainer rushes to you with the thrilling news: “You've already won! The judges tabulated the scores, and the person in second place can't catch you. You are too far ahead.”

Upon hearing that news, how will you feel? Exhilarated!

And how will you skate? Timidly? Cautiously? Of course not. How about courageously and confidently? You bet you will. You will do your best because the prize is yours. You will skate like a champion because that is what you are! You will hear the applause of victory.…

The point is clear: the truth will triumph. The father of truth will win, and the followers of truth will be saved.”  — (From The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado)

          3.  Come With a Pure Conscience.   Heb 10: 22,   having your hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience”

              A.  Sacrificial Language.

We have had our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from an evil and guilty conscience. This is sacrificial language.

This purity can only be brought about only by the new birth.  When we trust Christ, we appropriate the value of His blood.   Figuratively speaking we sprinkle our hearts with it, just as the Israelites sprinkled their doors with the blood of the Passover lamb.  This delivers us from an evil conscience.  Our testimony is:

“Conscience now no more condemns us,

For His own most precious blood

Once for all has washed and cleansed us,

Cleansed us in the eyes of God.”  

   ---- Frances Bevan  

                  B.  Spiritual Language.

Hebrews 9:14-15,  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.

Under the new covenant, hearts and consciences are cleansed (Heb. 9:14) by the blood. This differed from the old covenant in that it completely cleansed the conscience, not partially or temporarily. The New Testament Christian must come to God with a pure heart and a clean conscience. This clean conscience allows people to enter God's presence with boldness.

          4.  Come With a Cleansed Life.  Heb 10:22,      “and our bodies washed with pure water” 

Again the language here is symbolic.

              A.  The Symbols of OT Ceremonial Cleansing.

The Old Testament priest had to go through various washings and the applying of blood on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16). Also, during the regular daily ministry, the priests had to wash at the laver before they entered the holy place (Ex 30:18-21).  This all illustrated cleansing before fellowship with God.

              B.  The Symbols of NT Spiritual Cleansing.

                  1.  Our bodies represents our lives. 

                  2.  The pure water might:

                        * Refer to the Word (Eph. 5:25, 26).

                        * Refer to the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).

                        * Or refer  to the Holy Spirit using the Word in cleansing our lives from daily defilement. 

We are cleansed once for all from the guilt of sin by the death of Christ, but cleansed repeatedly from defilement of sin by the Spirit through the Word (Jn. 13:10).

              C.  The Significance of NT Internal Cleansing.

Fellowship with God demands purity (1 John 1:5-2:2).  Having our bodies washed with pure water. The imagery of an external action actually pictures an inward cleansing.  Just as baptism is an outward sign that represents the purification that Christ does inside us, so this washing speaks of an internal cleansing from sin. Once cleansed, Christians can approach God.  God certainly wants to begin cleaning up our insides and then move rapidly to cleaning up our outsides also!  We can be thankful for the cleansing power of the blood!