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Sermon Introduction

The promises of God in the New Covenant in Christ include forgiveness of sins, a personal relationship with God, and God writing His laws in the believers' hearts. The New Covenant fulfilled the Old Covenant; therefore, the New replaced the Old. In the Old, the people could not obey the law. In the New, God writes His laws on the hearts and minds of His people. Thus, His people want to obey because it is in their hearts and minds to do so. The desire to follow God’s commands is God’s work in every believer. It is not the work of humans. But it is a supernatural act of God. Something that no man can honestly explain. Yet it was Christ, the perfect high priest, and unblemished offering that made it possible. But let it be known that God is sovereign in salvation, yet man is fully responsible for his sin. 

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 10:19-25 NASB

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Notes

The promises of God in the New Covenant in Christ include forgiveness of sins, a personal relationship with God, and God writing His laws in the believers' hearts. The New Covenant fulfilled the Old Covenant; therefore, the New replaced the Old. In the Old, the people could not obey the law. In the New, God writes His laws on the hearts and minds of His people. Thus, His people want to obey because it is in their hearts and minds to do so. The desire to follow God’s commands is God’s work in every believer. It is not the work of humans. But it is a supernatural act of God. Something that no man can honestly explain. Yet it was Christ, the perfect high priest, and unblemished offering that made it possible. But let it be known that God is sovereign in salvation, yet man is fully responsible for his sin. 

1. The author once again stated the confidence of a believer. Through Christ, the believer is sanctified, made holy. He gave the believer a new way of living because Christ entered the most holy place as a sacrifice (10:19-20). 

2. With Christ as the great high priest, believers can approach God with sincere hearts, assured in faith. God cleared the conscience and cleansed the flesh, which is mind and body that behaves in a pure way (10:21-22). 

3. The author admonished the believers to hold the promises of God firmly, for He is trustworthy. Moreover, they should continue to meet each other and encourage one another (10:23-25). 

Application

1.  Let us live the life that Christ wants us to live. Through Christ, we may live lives that are set apart for Him only. Without Christ’s finished work, it would be impossible to live holy lives. 

2. Let us approach God in faith and sincerity. His forgiveness cleared our conscience and purified our bodily desires. The Lord transforms us so that we live according to His word. 

3.  Let us hold on firmly to His promises, and let us continue to trust Him. Let us not forsake meeting each other, and let us encourage one another to stay strong in the faith.

Discussion / Reflection

1. Where does the confidence of the believer come from?

2. How should we enter the presence of God? 

3. Why should we continue to meet and encourage each other?