Hebrews 10:22

let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Study Bible

let us draw near
This phrase is an invitation to approach God with confidence and reverence. The Greek word for "draw near" is "proserchomai," which implies coming close or approaching with intent. In the context of the Old Testament, only the high priest could draw near to God in the Holy of Holies, and that only once a year. However, through Christ's sacrifice, believers are now encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). This reflects a significant shift from the old covenant to the new, where access to God is no longer restricted but open to all who believe.

with a sincere heart
The Greek term "alēthinēs kardias" translates to "true heart" or "sincere heart." This emphasizes the importance of authenticity and genuineness in our approach to God. In biblical times, the heart was seen as the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. A sincere heart is free from hypocrisy and deceit, aligning with the biblical call to love God with all one's heart (Deuteronomy 6:5). This sincerity is crucial for true worship and relationship with God.

in full assurance of faith
The phrase "full assurance" comes from the Greek "plērophoria," meaning complete confidence or certainty. This assurance is rooted in faith, which is the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Historically, faith has been the foundation of the believer's relationship with God, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets. This full assurance is not based on human effort but on the finished work of Christ, providing believers with confidence in their salvation and standing before God.

having our hearts sprinkled
This imagery is drawn from the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the blood of animals was sprinkled to purify and consecrate. The Greek word "rhantizō" means to sprinkle or cleanse. In the new covenant, it is the blood of Christ that purifies our hearts from a guilty conscience (Hebrews 9:14). This sprinkling signifies the internal cleansing that occurs when one accepts Christ's sacrifice, moving from external rituals to internal transformation.

to cleanse us from a guilty conscience
The concept of a "guilty conscience" refers to the awareness of sin and moral failure. The Greek word "suneidēsis" means conscience or moral consciousness. Under the old covenant, sacrifices could not fully cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 9:9). However, through Christ's atonement, believers are freed from the burden of guilt, allowing them to serve God with a clear conscience. This cleansing is essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry.

and our bodies washed with pure water
This phrase likely alludes to the ritual washings of the Old Testament, symbolizing purification and readiness for service. The Greek word "louō" means to wash or bathe. In the new covenant, this washing is often associated with baptism, representing the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). The "pure water" signifies the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who renews and regenerates the believer (Titus 3:5). This holistic cleansing—both internal and external—prepares believers to live holy lives dedicated to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Author of Hebrews
Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

2. Jewish Christians
The primary audience of the letter, who were familiar with Jewish rituals and the significance of the temple sacrifices.

3. The Tabernacle/Temple
The place of worship in Jewish tradition where sacrifices were made, symbolizing the presence of God and the need for purification.

4. Jesus Christ
The High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, whose sacrifice enables believers to draw near to God.

5. The New Covenant
The new relationship between God and humanity established through the death and resurrection of Jesus, fulfilling the Old Covenant.

Teaching Points

Sincere Heart
Approach God with genuine intentions and honesty, free from hypocrisy.

Full Assurance of Faith
Trust completely in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our faith is grounded in His promises.

Cleansed Conscience
Embrace the freedom from guilt that comes through Christ's sacrifice, allowing us to live boldly and confidently.

Spiritual Purification
Recognize the importance of spiritual cleansing, symbolized by the washing of water, as a continual process in the believer's life.

Drawing Near to God
Make it a daily practice to seek God's presence through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to have a "sincere heart" when approaching God, and how can we cultivate this in our daily lives?

2. How does the concept of "full assurance of faith" challenge or encourage you in your current spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we experience the cleansing of our conscience, and how does this impact our relationship with God and others?

4. How does the imagery of being "washed with pure water" relate to other biblical teachings on purification and sanctification?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the principles in Hebrews 10:22 guide you in drawing near to Him again?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people, prefiguring Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

James 4:8
Encourages believers to draw near to God, promising that He will draw near to them, emphasizing the relational aspect of faith.

Ephesians 5:26
Speaks of being cleansed by the washing with water through the word, paralleling the purification mentioned in Hebrews 10:22.

1 John 1:9
Assures believers of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when they confess, reinforcing the theme of a cleansed conscience.