“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (…) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (…) Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, nor forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (…)” – Hebrews 10:22-25

Scripture reading: Hebrews 10:19-39

In light of the enormous privilege of being able to enter the Most Holy Place, by the new and living way, paved by the blood of Christ, how should we then live? That is the question the text of today answers us. We should live with faith (vs. 22), hope, (vs. 23), and love (vs. 24).

Faith – We may now come with full assurance of faith to God’s throne of grace, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. When a priest would enter, after a stop at the altar, he would cleanse himself at the laver. But, the author to the Hebrews says that through the Great High Priest’s finished work, you now have become a priest, and you may come close to God in full assurance! The way is open! And by faith you may be assured that you are completely cleansed through union with Him!

Hope – In chapter 6, the author to the Hebrews has talked about the anchor of hope, which is cast beyond the veil. Christ is beyond the veil in heaven for us. Through His promises we may now be assured that our little ship, anchored to Christ, will one day reach the safe haven of heaven.

Love – Having experienced such glorious love of Christ, the author now calls the Hebrew Christians and us to express that love to fellow-Christians. How? By stirring each other up through expressed love and good deeds, and by faithful church attendance and fellowship to build each other up

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for the strengthening of your faith and hope during worship today. Ask the Lord for specific ways in which you can express your love to fellow-Christians in your local congregation today.

Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.