DRAWING NEAR "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter . . . by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh." -- Tomorrow:
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb 10:19-22)
Devotion 6 of 16
What a marvelous expression! The way to God is "NEW" – of a new order, or a new kind of way. It is marked by stimulating freshness and invigorating newness. Everything about it makes for alertness, godly optimism, and spiritual awareness. A religion that is not pulsating with life and vitality is a false one, detrimental to spiritual progress, and opposed to the very nature of salvation in Christ Jesus. Yet, it is not at all uncommon for such traits to be found within the professed Christian community. People are tempted to live with dead religion – to settle for lifeless settlements of alleged believers. Some of these clusters of immobile souls attempt to dignify themselves by their name, creed, or association with some movement. However, there is nothing that can compensate for being dead toward, and unresponsive to, God and His truth. That is always a sign of alienation, is never good, and is always condemned.
Men must not allow deadness to be garbed with religious attire, or the flesh to parade itself as though it was accepted by God. Jesus will have nothing to do with such an approach. He came to deliver us from such things – to free us from enslavement to them. Woe to the person or system that encourages such involvements!
IT HAS BEEN CONSECRATED
The way to God has been "consecrated." Several of the more modern versions use the word "opened" instead of "consecrated" (RSV and NIV). This is, in my judgment, a very weak translation, not communicating the Spirit's meaning. It is true that the way has been "opened," making it accessible to all who come to God through Christ. However, that comes miserably short of the power of this text! Supposed scholars do us no favor by imposing their linguistic pretensions upon the text of Scripture.
The term "consecrated" comes from a unique word, used only here in the Scripture. It can mean "open," but not in the ordinary sense. Literally, it means "to make new, as opening a way not there before" (Thayer) – like making a door where there was none before. More precisely, it means "to put into force, usher in, or inaugurate." It is language instituted during the Old Covenant, through which the concept of consecration was developed. In the strictest sense, the meaning of "consecration" is not found in language studies, but in familiarity with the introductory types and shadows of the First Covenant.
Before anything could be used in Divine service, it had to be dedicated for use – set apart for employment in association with the Living God. The high priestly robes of Aaron were dedicated, or consecrated (Ex 23:3; 29:29). The high priest himself was consecrated to wear these garments, and perform the service of God (Ex 28:41; Lev 21:10; Num 3:3).
The system related to this consecration was called "the service of the sanctuary" (Ex 36:1), or "divine service" (Heb 9:1). It was the appointed, and solely accepted way, of approaching God safely. If one attempted to draw near to the Lord apart from this dedicated way, or without following the ordained procedure, death was sure. Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons, were consumed by fire because they offered "strange fire" to God – fire not ordained in the consecrated approach (Lev 10:1-2). The fire was to be taken from the altar, where it had been "consecrated." When king Uzziah took upon himself to offer incense to the Lord, a function to be performed by the sons of Aaron alone, he was stricken with leprosy (2 Chron 26:19).
The consecrated way was the ONLY way, and could not be violated. It was not one of many ways, but was exclusive, being the solitary way into God's presence. From the standpoint of a person, the high priest was the sole individual who could use the way into the holiest, or the pathway to God. Considered as a nation, Israel was the official custodian of the "service of God" – approaching and serving Him. Thus it is written that "the service of God" pertained exclusively to them (Rom 9:4). Under the Law this concept was taught with great effectiveness.
In Christ Jesus a new way has been "consecrated" – a way of access to God. It is Jesus Himself that has inaugurated and dedicated this way. Thus it is written, "a new and living way which He inaugurated . . . " (NASB). It is a way that enables the believer to maintain spiritual life, and therefore it is called a way that is "living." This is the "way" that leads to refreshment, renewal, and spiritual vitality. Apart from this "way" it is not possible to sustain our life in Christ Jesus. Just as men live "by every Word of God" (Luke 4:4), so they are sustained by means of this "way" – this access to God.
Those who do not come to God by this ordained means cannot live before Him! They cannot be saved! It simply is not possible. This way is not a way of luxury, but of necessity. There is no such thing as spiritual life that can be sustained apart from coming into the presence of the Lord. Therefore those in Christ are said to "come unto God" through Him (Heb 7:25). They are also said to have come "unto God, the Judge of all" (Heb 12:23).
Our text has affirmed that Jesus consecrated the approach to God – the "way" by which we "draw near" to Him (Heb 10:22). In fact, God is only said to draw nigh to those who "draw nigh" unto Him (James 4:8). The question, therefore, is not if you CAN come to God, but if you ARE doing so! The way to Him has been consecrated by Jesus Christ. It is your business to use it.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank you through Jesus Christ for the access I have to You – for the way through which I can come into Your presence.