Let Us Draw Near

Listen to the Audio: Hebrews 10, January 23, 2005

There is a major shift in this chapter dividing the book of Hebrews between doctrine and application. The shift begins with five “Let Us” commands, the first being "Let us draw near to God." This is perhaps the main theme of the book of Hebrews, the idea that we have access to God. It is a blood bought priviledge. We are told that we should draw near with a sincere heart, full assurance, and a guilty conscience cleansed by the word of God. A guilty conscience is debilitating. It will separate friends, steal you happiness, and keep you from God. Psychiatrists know that a guilt complex is the main cause of mental illness. They try to cover the guilt by convincing their patients that they are not to blame. Such a tactic does not work—because we are to blame. The only way to remove guilt is to be forgiven. That is what allows us to draw near to God. It must be a just forgiveness however. If a judge were to forgive all guilty persons who come before him, he would not be just. There is a price and for us, the price was paid by Jesus once and final sacrifice of his body.

There is much more in this chapter. Listen to the podcast to hear more.