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Jesus is better. That truth has been established. But once you know it, what do you actually do with it? Hebrews chapter 10 shifts the conversation from theological foundation to practical living, and it gives us three clear calls for how to live in light of everything Christ has done.

What Does It Mean That Jesus Opened the Way to God?

For most of history, access to God was restricted. Under the Old Covenant, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, and never without a blood sacrifice. The separation between God and man was real and visible.

Then Jesus died. And at the moment of His death, the curtain in the temple that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two. That was not a coincidence. That was a declaration.

Hebrews 10:19-20 says it plainly: "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."

The separation between God and man has been dealt with. The invitation is now open to everyone.

How Can We Come Boldly to God?

The confidence we have to approach God does not come from our own goodness. It does not come from how well we prayed this week, how much Scripture we memorized, or how long it has been since we last failed. Our confidence rests in Christ and in Christ alone.

As Hebrews 4:16 puts it: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Jesus did not merely show us the way to God. He opened the way. He made the way. And because of that, drawing near to God is not reserved for Sunday mornings or for people who feel like they have it all together.

What Does "Drawing Near to God" Actually Look Like?

Drawing near is not just about attending church. It is about living in the reality of the access Christ has provided. Here is what that looks like practically:

  • Prayer. You can come to God at any time, on any day. Prayer is one of the primary ways we draw near to Him.
  • Worship. Worship is not confined to a Sunday service. You can praise God in your car, in your home, wherever you are.
  • The Word of God. Jesus overcame temptation by knowing and speaking Scripture. Getting into the Word and letting it move from your head to your heart is how you are renewed and strengthened.
  • Coming to God when you have failed. This one matters. When we fall short, our natural tendency is to pull away from God and isolate ourselves. But isolation is exactly where the enemy wants us. A lion targets the one that has wandered from the group. Do not drift away when you feel unworthy. Come near, because Christ made the way for you even then.

Jesus did not save us only from something. He brought us near to someone. The relationship with the Father is the point.

Why Should Christians Hold Fast to Hope?

Hebrews 10:23 says: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

The Hebrew believers reading this letter were under pressure. Returning to the old system would have meant less persecution, less trouble. The temptation to drift was real. And the same temptation exists today.

But holding fast is not about how tightly you can grip. It is about what you are holding onto. Our hope rests on God's character, not our own strength. He is faithful. He is steadfast. He does not change.

Hebrews 13:8 says: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Circumstances change. Feelings change. People change. But God does not. That is what you hold onto. That is why you do not let go.

Why Does the Bible Say Not to Neglect Meeting Together?

Hebrews 10:24-25 says: "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."

This verse is often quoted in isolation, as if it is simply a command to show up to church. But read in context, it is about something much bigger. The reason we gather is not to take attendance. It is because we need each other, and others need us.

The word "stir up" carries the idea of provoking, of intentionally pushing someone toward love and good works. You cannot do that for someone you do not know. You cannot encourage someone you never see.

What Does the Church Actually Need From You?

The Christian life was never designed to be lived alone. God placed each believer within a body, the local church, where every person is a functioning part. When one part is missing, the whole body feels it.

Someone around you may need:

  • Your encouragement. Just being present is an act of encouragement to those around you.
  • Your testimony. Someone may be walking through something you have already survived. They need to hear how God brought you through it.
  • Your presence. Some people are more likely to keep coming if they know you will be there.
  • Your faithfulness. Someone who is struggling may need to watch you remain faithful in the middle of your own storm. They need to see that it is possible to keep going.

The question should shift from "What did I get out of church today?" to "Who did God place around me that I can encourage today?"

When you are absent, it is not only about what you miss. It is also about what someone else misses from you.

Why Is This More Urgent Now Than Ever?

The passage ends with a phrase that should not be overlooked: "all the more as you see the Day drawing near." The Day refers to the return of Christ. And as that day approaches, the urgency to encourage one another only increases.

The world is moving away from God, not toward Him. Scripture speaks of a great falling away before Christ returns. That makes the gathering of believers, the encouraging of one another, and the stirring up of love and good works more important, not less.

Faith, Hope, and Love: How It All Connects

First Corinthians 13:13 says: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

That verse is a harmony to everything in Hebrews 10:19-25. Faith draws us near to God. Hope keeps us anchored in His promises. And love turns our attention toward the people around us.

Draw near in faith. Hold fast in hope. Live in love.

Life Application

This week, do not just think about what you are getting from your faith. Think about who needs you to show up for them. Call someone who has been drifting. Sit with someone who looks like they are carrying something heavy. Share a piece of your story with someone who needs to hear that God is faithful.

The challenge is simple: identify one person this week who needs encouragement, and take a specific step to provide it. Pray for them, call them, invite them, or simply show up.

Before you do, ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I truly enjoying the access to God that Jesus died to give me, or am I keeping Him at a distance?
  • Where am I tempted to loosen my grip on what God has promised, and what would it look like to hold fast instead?
  • Who in my life needs me to help them keep going, and what is one thing I can do for them this week?

Faith turns us to God. Hope keeps us anchored. Love turns us toward each other. All three are needed. And all three are possible because of what Christ has already done.