Draw Near

Scripture

Hebrews 10

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” — Hebrews 10:22 (ESV)

Devotional

Hebrews 10 brings us to the heart of what Christ has accomplished. Under the old covenant, sacrifices were offered again and again, never able to fully take away sins. They were reminders—signposts pointing beyond themselves to the better sacrifice still to come. Then Christ came, not to repeat what could never finally cleanse, but to offer Himself once for all.

This is the great turning point of the passage: “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” His sacrifice is complete. Nothing needs to be added to it, and nothing can improve upon it. Where sin once created distance, Christ has made a way near. Where guilt once stood as a barrier, He has opened confident access to God.

That is why the passage says, “Let us draw near.” This is not a hesitant invitation, as though we must wonder whether we are welcome. Because of Jesus, the way into God’s presence has already been opened. We do not draw near on the strength of our sincerity, our recent obedience, or our emotional steadiness. We draw near through the blood of Christ.

And this nearness is meant to change how we live. “Let us hold fast.” “Let us consider how to stir up one another.” The finished work of Christ does not produce passivity; it produces perseverance, confidence, and love. Because He has secured our access, we are free to keep coming, keep trusting, and keep encouraging one another as those who belong to Him.

Hebrews 10 reminds us that the Christian life does not begin with trying to get close to God. In Christ, closeness has been secured. The call now is not to create the way, but to use it—to come boldly, honestly, and continually into the presence of the Father through the Son.

Reflection Prompt

Where am I hesitating to draw near to God, and how does the finished work of Christ invite me to come with confidence instead?