FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH IN HIS PRESENCE DEMANDED
 

Matt 9:29; Heb 10:19-26, 22

When the Apostle Paul says, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith," he was talking about our worship down at the house of God (Deut 26:2). In the Old Testament the place where God chose to put his name was the tabernacle, then the temple. In the New Testament its the Church (Rev 1:20; 2:1). Jesus built the church, loved and died for the church. He is head of the church (Col 1:18; Heb 10:21).and when the church meets he is in the midst! When we assemble together the Lord presides over the worship of his church!!

I. The reality of our access (10:19-21)

Notice here that God gives the believer a tremendous welcome!

A. The place of access

The saved are invited to do something only the High priest of Isreal could do (10:19).

We are invited into the holy of holies, another name for heaven. the holy of holies was the type (Heb 9:24,12).

Its understandable that god would invite his son Jesus to enter the holy of holies in heaven.

But here a tremendous word of welcome is extended to to Jews and Gentiles to come on in and worship. Not in the holy place, but into the Holy of Holies in heaven itself.

What a privilege for fallen men, who have been blood brought, blood washed, to have access into the presence of God.

We are invited to come boldly (Heb 4:14-16).

B. The price of access (10:19b-20)

The blood of old Testament sacrifices did not and could not obtain access into the presence of god.

When our Lord hung upon the cross the soldier took the spear and rent his side. God reached down from heaven and with his own hand rent the temple veil.

C. The path of access (10:20) "a new and a living way"

The old approach was by a covenant of works, but the new way is a living way! Its been consecrated for us by Christ (Heb 10:9-12).

D. The proof of access (10:21)

He has entered into the holy of holies and because he is there we can go enter there (John 14:6).

II. The responsibility of our approach (10:22-24)

With this great reality comes with it a great responsibility. Three times Paul says "let us."

A. We must be conscientious when we come (10:22b)

It must be with a true heart. A true heart is the opposite to a double, doubting, distrusting and a hypocritical heart.

A true heart is a sincere, genuine, honest desire and determination to render unto him that which is His due!

B. We must be confident when we come (10:22b)

Negatively, it means without doubting or wavering!

positively, it means with unshaken confidence, looking away from self and looking to jesus our high priest, the author and finisher of our faith!

C. We must be cleansed when we come (10:22c)

Note: A twofold preparation is required.

1. There must be Justification "having your hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience"

The sacrifice of Christ, the shedding of his blood was designed to give peace to the troubled mind.

An "evil conscience" si one that accuses of guilt and oppresses because of unpardoned sin (Rom 5:1).

2. There must be sanctification "and our bodies washed with pure water" (1 Cor 7:1).

Constant cleansing is needed.

Daily we need to confess our sins (1 John 1:9).

III. The requirement of our attendance (10:25-26)

A. The command (10:25) "forsake not the assembling of our selves together"

1. The mandate to all.

The words here are not a choice, but a command! "forsake not"

2. The manner of some "as the manner of some is"

There were some then for whatever reason, they would not be faithful to church, and you couldn't get them to be faithful and you can't get them to be faithful today!

B. The challenge (10:25b) "but exhorting one another....."

C. The consequences (10: 26)

1. It was a deliberate sin (Vs 26a).

A settled intention after that "We have received the knowledge of the truth."

We're dealing with Christians who deliberately continue in a life of willful, presumptuous disobedience to God. "Forsaking the assembling" (Vs 25).

2. It was a dangerous sin (Vs 26b-27).

The prospects "certain fearful looking..."

The penalty - Chastening. The disobedient must pay. There is no sacrifice for this sin.

there ought to be a desire when the time approaches for us to go down to the house of God (Psa 43:3-4).

It ought to be a great delight as we go with "full assurance of faith" knowing we are meeting with our Lord and He is going to meet with us!