Since We Have Confidence

“By a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

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

‘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,’

“then he adds,

‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’

“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 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. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:14-25

The writer set outs the basis for his coming admonition by stating the reality of Christ’s finished work and backing it up with the Lord’s living words. In Christ we are forgiven, and given access to God. The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and bears witness to His word. The confidence he describes is unshakable because it is rooted in Christ’s single perfect sacrifice. This is a solid foundation and impetus for rich and genuine communion with the Lord and faithful living in His world.

Confidence: the quality or state of being certain of your abilities or of having trust in people, plans, or the future; a feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances

A Christian’s confidence comes not from certain abilities or awareness of personal capability, but from Christ’s power and our trust in Him. The world sees and is driven very differently. Since our confidence is made possible by and comes from our Savior, we can live out faith distinctly from the world while living very much in it.

We can avail ourselves of open access to God’s throne, praying boldly with full assurance of faith. Regularly draw near in fellowship, confession, seeking His will and wisdom, and interceding for others in concentrated, earnest prayer. We can hold fast our confession when disparaged for our devotion or asked for the reason for our hope, speaking in the confidence of what is true. We can maintain strong bonds of fellowship, mutual love, and service to others. (Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15)

How are we doing in these areas of prayer, witness, and encouragement? How will we put into practice afresh the confidence we own because of our faith in Christ? As we live, Jesus serves as great high priest, ever interceding for us and welcoming us to His throne at any time. (Hebrews 4:16; 7:25; Romans 8:34)

Father, daily remind me of my confidence so I live boldly for You.