---

I. THE WARRANT "TO ENTER INTO THE HOLIEST."

1. "The blood of Jesus." This blood is the most precious thing that we can conceive of. It is set before us in Scripture in different views.

(1) It is compared to the blood of the passover lamb. It may therefore be said to be the blood of protection and of deliverance.

(2) It is compared with "the blood and water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop," used by Moses at Sinai. It may therefore be said to be the blood that ratifies the covenant.

(3) It is compared with " the blood used on the day of atonement." It may therefore be said to be the blood by which we draw nigh unto God.

(4) As under the Old Testament, "almost all things were purged with blood," so it is said to be " the blood which cleanseth us from all sin."(5) To show its unspeakable value, it is said to be "the blood of God" (Acts 20:28).

2. Another warrant is, that we have "a new and living way" — that is, a way quite different from that which the high priest had of old to enter into the "holy of holies."

3. This way is said to be "consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh." Now, every obstacle is removed; and every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is warranted to enter for himself into the immediate presence of God, and there transact all the concerns of his own soul.

4. Another powerful and suitable warrant is expressed in these words — "and having an High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near." When we consider this High Priest, what He is, what He has done, and what He is continuing to do, we have encouragement inexpressible. He is God and man. He is our Brother — our Righteousness — our Sanctification — our Redemption. How glorious is our great High Priest! How happy to be under His guidance — His management — His care!

II. YOUR WELCOME.

1. "Draw near with a true heart." This implies that you have nothing in view but the supply of grace which you find you need. Let this lead you to inquire of what graces you stand in the utmost need; and let this alone employ all your present desires and petitions to your heavenly Father.

2. Another evidence of your welcome is "full assurance of faith." This you can have by the study of Christ, in His person, and offices and intercession. In all He is, in all He does, and in all He has done, He is perfect. He can save every soul, be the condition of that soul what it may. But farther, He can give the Holy Spirit, to unite unto Himself — to conform to the Divine image. In one word, He can give "full assurance of faith." Did you ever ask this " assurance " from Him? Did He ever deny it to you? This " assurance" is your welcome.

3. A farther evidence of your welcome is to draw near with "hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience." This is done by the Holy Spirit, for Christ's sake. When the Spirit enables you to believe, lie at the same time applies to your heart the virtue of the precious blood of Christ. This removes all opposition to faith — to love — to every other grace in the mediatorial person of Christ. This "purges the conscience from dead works" (Hebrews 9:13, 14). With such attainments you may, with full welcome, draw near to the mercy seat; for these constitute your welcome there.

4. The last evidence of welcome mentioned in our text is, "our bodies being washed with pure water." This language is also figurative, and is taken from the act of consecrating Aaron and his sons to the priest's office. This is obtained by the promise (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

(James Kidd, D. D.)

---

---

KJV: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

WEB: Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,