Hebrews 10:19 marks a transition from the reality of the New Covenant (Heb 7-8) and remission of sins through the perfect blood offering of Jesus (Heb 9:1-10:18) to the necessity of human response and the work of obedient faith: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus… and having a High Priest over the house of God,” with a series of “Let us” statements. These statements help us to see how we can help one another get to heaven.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and out bodies washed with pure water” v 22. The phrase “draw near” means to approach God in worship (cf 1 Sam 14:36; Heb 7:19). Thus, we help one another get to heaven by worshiping together.
Note also that worship is for those who are properly cleansed and purified. In this case, the author connects the former covenant’s cleansing from sin brought through the sprinkling of blood and the new covenant cleansing by baptism.
“Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” v 24. To ”consider” here means to “observe fully.” Thus, we help one another get to heaven by keeping an eye on one another. Not in some suspicious way, but with the intent to protect one another.
Years ago, there was a nationwide program called “Neighborhood Watch.” Signs were posted everywhere, “Warning! Neighborhood Watch: We Look Out for Each Other.” Neighbors took care of one another by keeping an eye out for dangerous or suspicious characters. I am my brother’s keeper!
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” v 25. We help one another get to heaven by mutual exhortation. In Hebrews 3:13, the author wrote, “Exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (3:13).
Participation in our regular assemblies is vital, but it isn’t enough! We must love one another enough to maintain continuous contact lest the devil find his way into our respective lives.
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