The Christmas Story--"Christ Came As High Priest of the Good Things to Come"

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith...." (Hebrews 10:19-22a, NIV)

So many people lack "confidence" in their approach to God, yet our text invites such.  The root of the word, "confidence," mentioned in the first part of our text, however, is not impertinence, but the "assurance" spoken of later.  And this "assurance" is based solely on the "Blood of Jesus."  Whereas you and I were timid or uncertain just how, or even if we could approach the Godhead, now the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit says, "Come, come into the Holy of Holies 'by the blood of Jesus.'"  But always remember; the reason has nothing to do with you nor me.  The reason we are invited to "enter the Most Holy Place," to approach "the Throne of Grace....with confidence/boldness," is "the blood of Jesus," and only "the blood of Jesus." 

Our text also tells us that "the blood of Jesus" and "his body" is "a new and living way opened for us."  The other "ways" were only shadows of what the writer tells us earlier, "the good things to come."  The promises in the First Covenant foreshadowed things concerning "the Coming One," and the "greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is not of this creation."  You'll have to excuse me, but as I am writing this, I find myself smiling, not because of what I am writing, but because of the anointing on the God-Breathing Word,
right now, reading the context of the aforementioned passage-- "But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.  Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption."

As the country preacher once said, "This'll preach!"  But, alas, not to "weary you further," I must close with this word to you.  Just as the angels once announced, "....For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people," the Holy Spirit, sent from the Father and the Son, Jesus, now says to you today in the word of the Song of Solomon, "Behold, he comes leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills"--------------- to bring you right into "The Most Holy Place by the Blood of Jesus."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for coming to me in Jesus.  I want no other gift.  Amen.
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"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2



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