Dignities and Duties

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. – Hebrews 10:22

They weren’t willing participants, nor did they have the same nature as those who offered them; their deaths were a result of obedience rather than an act of salvation. The law that required the sacrifice of bird and beast was “but a shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1), “a very rough draft of the great design of divine grace,” as Matthew Henry wrote. Only Christ would stand to meet the requirements necessary to satisfy a Holy God for the sins of mankind – a willing, sinless, human servant whose love for the people of the world far outweighed the burden and suffering He carried to the cross.

The blood of Jesus which washes away the sins of the believer provides a new and living way to come near to the Lord. Covered with His robe of righteousness, you can be bold as you draw near to God, having no fear or expectation of judgment (Hebrews 10:19-27). Christ has made you worthy, honored and esteemed. But the dignities of this new estate of the believer come with duties. Draw near in prayer with humble adoration, in holy dependence on the God who is faithful, being conformed to the likeness of Christ (Romans 12:2). Come with a true heart cleansed from guilt and guile but filled with love and joy as you seek the Lord.

The fullness of faith allows you to surrender all to God. Be assured of the strength that comes with unbroken fellowship with Him. He is able to do more than what you ask or think (Jude 24). Trust His power as you plead for this nation to draw near to God.

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 10:22

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 10:3-17

But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
    but a body have you prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God,
    as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”

When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
    and write them on their minds,”

17 then he adds,

“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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