DRAWING NEAR -- 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 9 of 16
" , , , let us draw near with a true heart . . . " (Heb 10:22)
Here is an absolute requirement for coming to the Father – "a true heart." The NIV and NASB use the term "sincere heart." A "true"or "sincere" heart is a genuine and dependable one. A "true heart," as indicated by the word "true," is not only a heart that has the name of one that is genuine, but has the real nature corresponding with the name. It is real, the opposite of fictitious, fabricated, or pretended. A "true heart" is a renewed one – one that is in right relation with the Lord, and is single toward Him.
There is no pretension or guile in such a heart. The mind, desires, and intentions of such an individual are pure, and undefiled by wickedness. Here is a heart that is "perfect with the Lord," like that of David (1 Kgs 15:3) – a heart that is open before the Lord, and desirous of His blessing. Like the men of war from Zebulun, these are "not of double heart" (1 Chron 12:33) – such do not have a heart with divided affections, loyalties, and desires. Those with a "true heart," have a "perfect heart and a willing mind" (1 Chron 28:9) – such a heart is seeking to please God and always ready to do His will. Those so characterized come to God with their "whole heart," withholding nothing (Psa 9:1). This is nothing less than a "clean heart," NOT devoted to the things of this world or to self-gratification (Psa 51:10). Ephesians 6:5 refers to this condition as "singleness of heart," or without dissimulation or self-seeking.
True hearts are pure and holy, unsullied with worldly affection, and cleansed from a defiled conscience. This is a heart that is persuaded of the need of God's blessing and direction, and fervently seeks to obtain them. It is a heart entirely consecrated to the Lord. It must ever be remembered that the Lord searches the hearts (Rom 8:27), and requires "truth in the inward parts" (Psa 51:6). A "true heart" can survive the search, and gives evidence of truth within.
Let it be clear that this is an absolute prerequisite for coming to God. Admittedly, this is not evident in the Christian community – at least not in a prominent way. However, it is still a Divine requirement, and we do well to take it seriously. It is a personal matter, and not one in which we can judge other people. But we must judge ourselves in this area, and do so strictly. We cannot come to the Lord with divided interests – with a "double mind," attempting to serve "two masters" (James 1:18; Matt 6:24). Such an approach to God is always vain, and is never honored. Prayers proceeding from such a person will not bring favorable results. As it is written, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord" (James 1:6-7).
Under the Law, high priests drew near to God bodily, or in an external way. Their attire was precisely specified. The time of their approach was limited to "once a year." Theirs was a liturgical approach, requiring fear more than faith, and protocol more than heart. Yet, they were not at liberty to violate revealed protocol. To do so meant they would die (Ex 28:35; 30:20,21; Lev 8:35; 16:2,13).
This, of course, is not the manner of the New Covenant. Yet, that ancient way did confirm how exactly we must come before God, giving heed to what He has said about approaching Him. The truth of the matter is that only those with a "true heart" may come confidently into His Presence! This is the "new heart" of which Ezekiel prophesied (Ezek 36:26) a "heart of flesh" upon which God's laws are written (Heb 8:10; 10:16). This is a "pure heart," devoted to the Lord and the apprehension of His promises (1 Tim 1:15; 2 Tim 2:22). Let is be clear, God cannot be boldly or confidently approached without a "true heart."
Those with defiled hearts can still come to obtain forgiveness, and are urged to do so. However, they must come honestly, acknowledging their offense, and earnestly seeking forgiveness. As it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
That cleansing will purify the heart, making it "true," and enabling the individual to again come confidently into the Lord's Presence. However, it is imperative that this condition is maintained by those coming to the Lord. Without the confidence generated by a "true heart," eventually the individual will cease coming to God, and condemnation will be sure.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I praise You for providing cleansing for the heart, mind, and conscience. I know I cannot approach you with an insincere heart. Even my conscience testifies of this to me. Grant me grace to keep my heart and hands pure in your sight.