Hebrews 10:22 - let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Hebrews 10:22" mean?
Hebrews 10:22 is a beautiful and rich verse, packed with imagery drawing from Old Testament practices. Let's break it down:
"Let’s draw near..."
This sets the tone. It's an invitation to approach God. In the Old Testament, approaching God was a very restricted and regulated event, usually reserved for priests in the Holy of Holies. Here, we are being invited to come close, confidently and freely.
"...with a true heart..."
This speaks to sincerity and genuineness. It's not just going through the motions, but approaching God with honesty, transparency, and authenticity. It’s about having a heart that genuinely desires to connect with God.
"...in fullness of faith..."
This is a vital component. It's not just any kind of faith, but a full, unwavering, confident belief in God and in the promises fulfilled through Jesus Christ. This faith is anchored in the finished work of Jesus. It’s about trusting in Christ's sacrifice as the means of our access to God.
"...having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience..."
This is a key image rooted in Old Testament sacrifices.
Sprinkling: In the Old Testament, blood of sacrificed animals was sprinkled to cleanse people from ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus). This was symbolic of purification and atonement.
Evil conscience: This refers to a conscience that is burdened by guilt, shame, and awareness of sin. It's a conscience that condemns us and keeps us separated from God.
The meaning: Through Christ's sacrifice (the "better sacrifice" mentioned earlier in Hebrews), our conscience is cleansed. His blood, in a spiritual sense, has been sprinkled on our hearts, removing the guilt and condemnation, giving us a clear conscience before God. We no longer need to be haunted by our past failures.
"...and having our body washed with pure water..."
This phrase has two possible interpretations, neither of which invalidates the other:
Water baptism: This can be a reference to the sacrament of baptism. Baptism is a public declaration of our faith and identification with Christ's death and resurrection. It's a symbolic washing away of our old life and a new beginning in Christ.
Daily cleansing through the Word and the Spirit: Alternatively, the "washing with pure water" could be a reference to the ongoing cleansing and sanctification we experience through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:26). Just as water cleanses the body, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit purify our minds and hearts from the defilement of the world.
Overall Meaning:
Hebrews 10:22 is an exhortation to Christians to boldly approach God, not tentatively or fearfully, but with:
Sincerity: A heart that is genuinely seeking Him.
Confidence: A full faith in the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice.
Cleansing: Assurance that our sins are forgiven and our conscience is cleansed.
Renewal: A commitment to walk in newness of life, signified by baptism and sustained by the continual cleansing of the Word and the Spirit.
The verse underscores that through Jesus, we have access to a personal and intimate relationship with God, free from the burden of guilt and shame. It is a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy that are available to us through faith in Christ.
Hebrews 10:22 - let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water,
What does "Hebrews 10:22" mean?
Hebrews 10:22 is a beautiful and rich verse, packed with imagery drawing from Old Testament practices. Let's break it down:
"Let’s draw near..."
This sets the tone. It's an invitation to approach God. In the Old Testament, approaching God was a very restricted and regulated event, usually reserved for priests in the Holy of Holies. Here, we are being invited to come close, confidently and freely.
"...with a true heart..."
This speaks to sincerity and genuineness. It's not just going through the motions, but approaching God with honesty, transparency, and authenticity. It’s about having a heart that genuinely desires to connect with God.
"...in fullness of faith..."
This is a vital component. It's not just any kind of faith, but a full, unwavering, confident belief in God and in the promises fulfilled through Jesus Christ. This faith is anchored in the finished work of Jesus. It’s about trusting in Christ's sacrifice as the means of our access to God.
"...having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience..."
This is a key image rooted in Old Testament sacrifices.
Sprinkling: In the Old Testament, blood of sacrificed animals was sprinkled to cleanse people from ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus). This was symbolic of purification and atonement.
Evil conscience: This refers to a conscience that is burdened by guilt, shame, and awareness of sin. It's a conscience that condemns us and keeps us separated from God.
The meaning: Through Christ's sacrifice (the "better sacrifice" mentioned earlier in Hebrews), our conscience is cleansed. His blood, in a spiritual sense, has been sprinkled on our hearts, removing the guilt and condemnation, giving us a clear conscience before God. We no longer need to be haunted by our past failures.
"...and having our body washed with pure water..."
This phrase has two possible interpretations, neither of which invalidates the other:
Water baptism: This can be a reference to the sacrament of baptism. Baptism is a public declaration of our faith and identification with Christ's death and resurrection. It's a symbolic washing away of our old life and a new beginning in Christ.
Daily cleansing through the Word and the Spirit: Alternatively, the "washing with pure water" could be a reference to the ongoing cleansing and sanctification we experience through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:26). Just as water cleanses the body, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit purify our minds and hearts from the defilement of the world.
Overall Meaning:
Hebrews 10:22 is an exhortation to Christians to boldly approach God, not tentatively or fearfully, but with:
Sincerity: A heart that is genuinely seeking Him.
Confidence: A full faith in the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice.
Cleansing: Assurance that our sins are forgiven and our conscience is cleansed.
Renewal: A commitment to walk in newness of life, signified by baptism and sustained by the continual cleansing of the Word and the Spirit.
The verse underscores that through Jesus, we have access to a personal and intimate relationship with God, free from the burden of guilt and shame. It is a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy that are available to us through faith in Christ.