Hebrews 10:22-24 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience… I. THE PROFESSION REFERRED TO. 1. It is put on when we become the members of His visible Church. 2. It is one part of religion itself. 3. It will expose to difficulties and sufferings. (1) Assaults of Satan. (2) Opposition of world. (3) Indisposition of our own hearts. II. THE DUTY ENJOINED. 1. There must be decision of character. Not halting between two opinions. Not half-hearted. All our powers surrendered to God. 2. There must be constancy of spirit. Heart established, mind fixed, soul stayed upon God. Constant in duties; especially prayer, praise, reading the Divine Word, etc. Always setting the Lord before us, etc. Not as the morning cloud and early dew, &c. 3. There must be perseverance in practice. We only retain our hold by pressing onwards, etc. Not weary, but faithful unto death. 4. In short, we must hold fast our profession. (1) By the exercise of vigorous faith. (2) By the constraining influence of Christ's love. (3) By the cheering attractions of a lively hope. (4) By the supporting and staying effects of holy patience. (5) By the continual use of all the appointed means of grace. III. SOME MOTIVES BY WHICH THIS DUTY MAY BE ENFORCED. Love to Jesus is a powerful motive. Gratitude for past mercies. Our present happiness, and our prospect of eternal felicity. But Christ's faithfulness is here laid down as the great motive. 1. He has promised to give us grace to hold fast our profession; and "He is faithful." 2. He has promised to acknowledge our profession; and " He is faithful." 3. He has promised to reward our profession; and " He is faithful."Application: 1. Learn that religion requires both the devotion of the heart and the profession of the life. 2. The way to heaven is associated with conflicts. 3. Stedfastness is essential to our final salvation. 4. God has provided abundant resources for our comfort and safety. 5. The end will amply recompense for the trials of the way. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. |
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