Hebrews 10:19-25 The five lettuces of Hebrews 10

Bible Study Series: Jesus in Hebrews - Better by Far!

Bible Study Lesson: Hebrews 10 - The five lettuces of Hebrews 10

by I Gordon

Welcome once again as we study through the book of Hebrews. I hope you are seeing that Hebrews is one amazing book. It contrasts the shadows of the Old Testament with the substance in Christ. It contains some of the greatest promises, warnings and exhortations of any book in the New Testament. In the last message we looked at what Hebrews 10 taught concerning our perfect position in Christ - that believers are made perfect by one sacrifice. And that is a good thing! This time we will focus on verses 19-25 where we see a series of exhortations. Last time was what Christ has done for us. This time is our response. And that response comes in the form of five lettuces. Well, 'let-us-es... if that makes sense! So let's read the entire passage:

Heb 10:19-25  Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,  (20)  by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  (21)  and since we have a great priest over the house of God,  (22)  let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  (23)  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  (24)  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  (25)  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The remainder of this chapter will be divided into what we should do and what we definitely shouldn't do! But it starts with the positive and that is what we will focus on in this message. When it comes to physical food, I'm sure your good mother told you to eat your greens. Well, now some random brother is going to tell you to eat your spiritual greens and these five let-uc-es are very important for the ongoing walk of faith in the Christian life. So what do we see from this passage?

1. Let us draw near to God
2. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
3. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds
4. Let us not give up meeting together
5. Let us encourage one another, and all the more as we see the day approaching

So let us dig deeper into each of these. 

1. Let us draw near to God

Heb 10:19-22  Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,  (20)  by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  (21)  and since we have a great priest over the house of God,  (22)  let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  

The first 'let us' is about drawing near to God with a sincere heart. And this is based on several things.

1. Believers have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. Our confidence isn't anywhere else. It isn't in our own goodness, whether we have stroked or kicked the cat that day! Argh, apologies to cat-loving readers out there like me. I'm definitely a cat-stroker! The only ground for confidence is that Jesus died and His blood was shed for our sins. And by that sacrifice, as Heb 10:14 stated, believers have been made perfect forever. 
2. Believers have a new living way to come. The old way made it impossible for believers to come near to God. If someone went into the Holy of Holies they would drop dead. Like, literally! Only the High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies and then only once a year by taking the blood of the sacrifice. And even then there was the apprehension that if he did something unprescribed, he may not make it out alive! But now, Hebrews tells us, there is a new living way opened to us through the curtain. The living way is because of a living savor, not a dead animal!
3. Believers should draw near because we have a great High Priest over the house of God... Jesus! Simply put, the Lord desires our fellowship and doesn't want us hanging back.
4. Believers should draw near to God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith, with our hearts cleansed from a guilty conscience because of the shed blood of Jesus.

Now it is fair to say that this command to draw near to God was a radical concept for the 1st century Jew. Under Judaism, they had been told to keep their distance and now they are told to come near with confidence! And it says to come near with a sincere heart. This is a true heart in God's sight without hypocrisy. Jesus spoke of those whose hearts weren't pure - especially with the Pharisees.¹ They had religion, not relationship... Profession, not possession. But we draw near with a true heart cleansed by Christ and in a new living way.

Our approach is by a new and living way. New here may have the meaning of “newly slain” or “newly made”. Living seems to be a reference to Jesus in resurrection, therefore, to a living Savior. This way was opened through the veil, that is, His flesh. This clearly teaches that the veil between the two compartments of the tabernacle was a type of the body of our Lord. In order for us to have access into God's presence, the veil had to be rent, that is, His body had to be broken in death. This reminds us that we cannot draw near by Christ's sinless life, but only by His vicarious death. Only through the mortal wounds of the Lamb can we go in. Every time we enter God's presence in prayer or worship, let us remember that the privilege was bought for us at tremendous cost.
William MacDonald, Believers Bible Commentary

Why is drawing near to God so important in this day?

Now I write this at the start of February 2026 and this year has begun with a whole lot of crazy! Now I know this comment will age quickly because the situation changes rapidly, but as a quick snapshot of the current day, here you go...

• The US recently extracted and jailed the Venezuelan President (apparently using a "secret sonic weapon") and seems determined to purchase, or at least control, Greenland.
• The Russia-Ukraine war continues with mass casualties on both sides while European countries talk and prepare about entering the war themselves. 
• The Middle East hasn't become any saner as the recent mass Iranian protests were squashed through incredibly violent and heartbreaking massacres of their own people by the Iranian Islamic regime. 
• All the while the US sends more warships into the area for a possible strike on Iran. 
• Israel continues to battle Hamas, Hezbollah and others, while preparing for a potential war with Iran. 
• Trump forges ahead with his 'board of peace' that some say could become an alternative to the U.N.
• All this uncertainty has seen exploding, and often very volatile, gold and silver prices. Many have sought a safer haven for their money than fiat currencies. Silver especially is becoming hard to buy, despite its recent wild rollercoaster ride!

In short, things seem to be unraveling. These are not settled days, globally speaking. Wars and rumors of wars abound. Which shouldn't surprise us, for as Jan Markel often says 'what did you expect the end times to look like?' So... how does the believer remain grounded amongst such uncertainty? Only God can give a sure foundation even in troubling times. The believer needs to draw near to Him our scripture says. Our Lord is a Rock and we need that rock more than ever in this day.    

2. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess

Heb 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Now this was the big problem that the author of Hebrews was writing about. Jewish 'Christians' were finding things too tough and going back to Judaism. They were going back to the welcome open arms of their family, their Rabbis and their Jewish leaders and friends. They were going back to their religious upbringing and faith of their fathers. The problem of course is that God no longer accepted the animal sacrifices after the death of His Son. So right through Hebrews there are these warnings to not turn back, but to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. So why does the writer tell them to hold unswervingly to the hope they profess? Because the One who has given them promises is faithful. 

John Macarthur "without wavering: The idea is not to follow any inclination that leads back to the old covenant. In other ancient literature, the same Greek term is used of enduring torture. Persecution will come (2Ti_3:12), but God is faithful. Temptations will abound, but God is faithful to provide an escape (cf. 1Co_10:13). God's promises are reliable (1Co_10:13; 1Th_5:24; Jud_1:24-25). With that confidence, the believer can persevere."

Again, this has a direct application for our day as well. We know from scripture that many in the last days will depart from the faith (2 Thes, 2:3, 1 Tim 4:1, 2 Tim 3:1-5). Many in the Church and conservative circles are following the world, abandoning Israel in the plan of God, questioning whether there are more than two genders, stepping away from doctrines on hell and and the exclusivity of salvation in Jesus. So hold the faith believer! Some of you will also have personal trials and difficulties at the moment. They may cause you to doubt the goodness of God at times. I spoke to a workmate this week who, when she was younger, lost a friend to suicide. This made her question where God was in this tragedy and caused her to stumble in her own walk for well over a decade. But hold fast believer. Remember, and fix your eyes, on the faithfulness of God. Especially in times of uncertainty. Many believers have gone through times of doubt but have ultimately seen the faithfulness of God. To quote a few examples and scriptures:

• Abraham went through some tough uncertain times waiting for the promised child God had said He would give. But he maintained his faith:
  Heb 11:11  By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.
• Joshua went through many battles but could come to the end of his life and say:
  Jos 23:14  Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
• David too had this testimony to give in his latter years:
  Psa 37:25  I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.
• Scripture reminds us that in every temptation the faithfulness of God is there providing a way of escape:
  1Co 10:13  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
• And this faithfulness to His own extends right to the day of Christ Jesus:
  1Co 1:7-9  Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  (8)  He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (9)  God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
  1Th 5:23-24  May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (24)  The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

From fear to peace through the promises of God

Our Daily Bread gives the following illustration of trusting the promises of God:

"A young paratrooper admitted that he had been frightened the first time he jumped. There was nothing but a big piece of fabric between him and death. What if the fabric accidentally tore apart? What if his ripcord didn't work and the parachute failed to open?

But when he jumped, everything functioned perfectly. Supported by the life-preserving umbrella over his head, the man floated earthward. He said, "I had a release from fear and a marvelous feeling of exhilaration.

What about the promises God makes in the Bible? Will they uphold us in times of crisis? It all depends on whether we believe them to be God's promises -- not merely printed words, black marks on white paper, nor simply the guesses of fallible human beings like ourselves. Because they are the promises of God, we can cling to them with assurance. This will bring relief from fear and impart a deep inner peace."

3. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

The third exhortation is towards love² and good deeds. Now that is not to say that the last days will be without love. Oh no... there is love. Scripture says men will be 'lovers of themselves, lovers of money'. But 'not lovers of the good.' They are 'lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God' (2Ti 3:1-4) The believer of course is to be the opposite of these things. Though it can be difficult living in a world that is moving one way fast while we try to walk in the other direction! So we are to encourage one another to show the love of God, and the light of God, to those around us. Often, in an effort to be clear that good works are not in any way part of salvation, we can also forget the instruction to believers in the New Testament to be zealous for good works. Again, not for salvation but out of your salvation. For example, take the book of Titus:

Tit 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
Tit 2:7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,
Tit 2:14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Tit 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
Tit 3:8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds.
Tit 3:14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

When God once asked Cain where his brother Abel was, Cain replied with a question: 'Am I my brother's keeper?' Cain implied that the answer was 'no'. But God does ask us to look after one another, and especially so for our Christian brothers and sisters. Paul wrote to the Galatians:

Gal 6:9-10  Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  (10)  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

In the NT sense, love is not an emotion but an act of the will. We are commanded to love, therefore it is something we can and must do. Love is the root; good works are the fruit. By our example and by our teaching, we should stir up other believers to this kind of life.
Loving hearts are gardens, Loving thoughts are roots,
Loving words are flowers, And good works their fruits.
—Adapted
William MacDonald, Believers Bible Commentary

4. Let us not give up meeting together

Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing

The fourth point is that fellowship with other believers is important. The background, as mentioned previously, was some leaving the Church and going back to Judaism. Unfortunately we'll still see those that stop meeting together walk back to what they previously knew. That is why fellowship is so important. There is a saying that there are seven days in a week and seven days without fellowship makes one weak! Now it doesn't matter if you are in a large church, a small one, a home group setting or just fellowshipping with 2 or 3 believers as Jesus spoke of - He is there in the midst as He said (Matt 18:20). I am a big believer in small groups, home groups type environments. That is, in groups where you study God's word together, ask questions and pray for one another. We are not meant to be alone. As soon as we are saved we are part of a body and the body needs all parts to function properly. Iron sharpens iron as the scripture says (Prov 27:17).

This leads directly to the final 'let-us' which shows what is to happen when we meet together...

5. Let us encourage one another

Heb 10:25 ... let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It reminds us of a very low time in the life of David when he needed help: 

1Sa 23:15-18  While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life.  (16)  And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.  (17)  Don't be afraid, he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this."  (18)  The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

You will see that Jonathon helped David find strength in God. That is the goal of true encouragement for the believer. It is not just a general 'oh, you'll be ok. Don't worry about it!' - It is reminding someone of God's promises, faithfulness, and helping them to turn their eyes upon the living God once again. And our passage says to do this even more as you see the day approaching. So let me ask you, what day is it speaking of here? It is the day that all believers have hoped to see... the day of Jesus' return for His bride! So let me ask you a second question 'why is it even more important to encourage one another as we see this day approaching?' Well, because it will get darker and harder for the believer. Now all the writers believed the day was at hand. The Bible is written with this expectation because God wants us to live in the light of His soon return³:

• Paul: Rom 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
• James: Jas 5:8-9  You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.  (9)  Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
• Peter: 1Pe 4:7  The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
• John: 1Jn 2:18  Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.

The Lord's coming gives tremendous encouragement as scripture says. 

1Th 4:17-18  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  (18) Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Encouraged by the sure Hope of Heaven

And the future hope of heaven gives incredible encouragement. I experienced this once again in the last few weeks. About three weeks ago the family was trying to get hold of my uncle Ted but couldn't reach him. He hadn't been well so my sister and I decided to drive to where he lives in another town to check on him. We got there at about 10pm at night and all was dark inside his house, but we could hear the radio going. As we went in and turned the lights on we saw him lying on the bedroom floor. He had gone to be with the Lord. The last line of the last email that I had received from him, only a few days earlier, said 'I told the Lord that I'm ready to go...' As far as we can tell, he died from natural causes either the next day or the day after that. 

As difficult as it was finding him, the hardest part of this for me personally was telling my mother, his sister, the next day. And yet there was tremendous hope as well. Both are believers and I reminded mum of a God-given dream / spiritual experience that she had had over 10 years earlier. In it she seems to have seen her own passing. She said that she looked back over her right shoulder and could see this world behind which she had left. She said the feeling was one of great relief to have left this place. She was so pleased to have left all the troubles of this world behind, never to be experienced again! And then in front of her was a new beautiful environment. She saw a meadow and a river and two people walking along the river's edge towards her. While she was unsure who one of them was, the other was clear - it was her brother, my Uncle Ted. And she said that Uncle Ted's clothes just shone with the glory of God. She asked one who was with her (possibly an angel but unknown) whether she could go to him and was allowed.   

Because of this experience my Mum had always thought that her brother, though younger, would go to be with the Lord before her. And so it turned out to be. But what a difference it makes to know where he is and that we will see him again! It is this sure hope of the future for the believer that we are to encourage one another with.   

Conclusion

So that seems a good place to leave this message. It is one of hope and encouragement for the believer. So what are the five lettuces of Hebrews 10 again? 

1. Let us draw near to God
2. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
3. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds
4. Let us not give up meeting together
5. Let us encourage one another, and all the more as we see the day approaching

And you will note that Jesus embodied all of these. He walked daily with His Father, never swerving from the truth of God's word. His was a life of love and good works especially to those that were in great need. He healed the sick, lifted the downhearted, and encouraged and challenged all to consider the cost and follow Him. I know I say this quite often but run your race well believer. We see all the signs of His near coming around us. The day is approaching. We will soon enough be with the Lord. So let that impact your life today in drawing near to Him, holding fast to the faith, encouraging and spurring one another on towards faith, love and good deeds. 

Blessings.

FOOTNOTES