“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 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. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:19-23)

Have you ever walked up to a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only"? There is an immediate, visceral reaction. You know you don’t belong there. You know that if you cross that threshold, you will be met with questions, security, or perhaps even punishment. For centuries, this was the relationship humanity had with the tangible presence of God. There were barriers, curtains, and laws that shouted, "Keep Out!"

But there is a beautiful turning point in the book of Hebrews. After ten chapters of explaining history, law, and priesthood, the writer arrives at a single word that changes everything: "Therefore."

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” (Hebrews 10:19-22)

This passage is the culmination of everything that came before it. It is the moment the "Authorized Personnel Only" sign is taken down, and a new invitation is extended: "Come in. You belong here."

The Journey to the Open Door

To truly appreciate this open door, we have to look back at the path that got us here. The book of Hebrews is a masterclass in comparison. The writer takes great pains to show us that Jesus isn't just another prophet or teacher; He is the final answer to every question the Old Testament posed.

We see that Jesus is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1) and greater than Moses (Hebrews 3). We learn that while the old high priests had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could help anyone else, Jesus was the perfect High Priest—sinless and eternal (Hebrews 5-7).

The old system was a shadow. It had an earthly tabernacle and repeated sacrifices that could never truly fix the human heart. But then Jesus arrived. He didn't come to patch up the old tent; He came to build a new house. He offered Himself once for all, a perfect sacrifice that didn't just cover sin but washed it away entirely.

Everything in the book leads to this realization: The work is done. The barriers are gone. And because of who Jesus is and what He did, the way is now open.

The Veil That Was Torn

One of the most profound images in this passage is the description of how we enter God's presence: "through the curtain, that is, his body."

In the ancient temple, a thick, heavy curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—the dwelling of God’s presence. Only one person could go behind that curtain, only once a year, and never without blood. It was a stark physical reminder that a holy God cannot coexist with sinful humanity.

But the moment Jesus died on the cross, something supernatural happened. The Gospel writers tell us that this massive temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). It wasn’t torn by human hands from the bottom up; it was torn by God from heaven down.

Why? Because Jesus’ body was the true veil. When His body was broken, the barrier was removed.

Jesus actually hinted at this long before the cross. In a challenging teaching in John 6, He told the crowds, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” It was a shocking statement that caused many to leave Him. But Jesus was drawing a line in the sand. He was saying that the only way to true life—the only way to the Father—was through His body and His blood.

Just as He said at the Last Supper, "This is my body... this is my blood of the covenant" (Matthew 26:26-28). He was preparing a new and living way for us. We don't enter God's presence through our good behavior or religious rituals. We enter through the torn veil of His body.

Silencing the Internal Accuser

Even if we understand that the door is open, many of us still hesitate on the threshold. Why? Because of what we carry inside: a guilty conscience.

We remember our failures. We know our hidden thoughts. We feel the weight of our past. We think, God might have opened the door, but if He really knew me, He wouldn't want me coming in.

The writer of Hebrews anticipates this fear. That is why he says we can draw near "having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22).

This is a profound comfort. The blood of Jesus doesn't just satisfy God's justice; it is meant to satisfy your conscience. It is designed to silence the internal accuser that says you aren't good enough.

By faith, you can stand in the absolute conviction that you are not polluted by your sin anymore. Because of Jesus, you are considered righteous. The "sprinkling" of His blood cleanses the deepest parts of your soul, removing the shame that keeps you hiding in the shadows.

The Invitation to Draw Near

So, what is our response to this incredible reality? It is simple: Draw near.

It is a tragedy to stand outside an open door, shivering in the cold, when a warm fire and a loving Father are waiting just inside. The rules have changed. We don't need to approach God with terror or hesitation. We are invited to come with "full assurance of faith."

This isn't arrogance; it is trust. It is trusting that Jesus’ sacrifice was enough to make you acceptable. It is believing that when God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of His Son.

And as we draw near, we are given one final instruction: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).

Your confidence doesn't rest on your ability to hold on to God; it rests on His faithfulness to hold on to you. The promise is secure. The way is open. The Priest is waiting.

So today, leave your guilt at the door. Walk through the veil. Draw near to God, and you will find that He has been waiting for you all along.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Do you hesitate to approach God because of your past? How does knowing Jesus’ blood cleanses you change that?

2. How does seeing Jesus’ body as the torn curtain help you view God as close and welcoming?

3. Where do you struggle to trust God fully, and how can you rest in His promise instead of your own efforts?