Having Therefore… Let Us!
The words ‘Having therefore… let us!’ indicate a powerful transition in the Epistle to the Hebrews which divides the letter into two clear sections: the doctrinal (1:1-10:18) and the practical (10:19-13:25). Essentially, the second section calls us to live out what we have learned.
This blog post focuses on the practical exhortations found in Hebrews 10:19-25. But first, for those unfamiliar with the Epistle to the Hebrews, here is a brief introduction and summary of its content so far.
When was the book written?
The exact date of Hebrews is uncertain, but it must predate the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, as this event is not mentioned in the letter. It was likely written in the mid-60s CE, considering that the Jewish worship system in the Second Temple was still active (10:11).
Who wrote the book?
The author of Hebrews remains unknown. Scholars have suggested various figures, including Paul, Barnabas, Luke, and Apollos. While many favour Paul due to thematic similarities, arguments against his authorship, such as a Greek style different to his letters and potentially conflicting statements about the source of teaching (Gal 1:12; Heb 2:3), make definitive attribution impossible. Ultimately, who the author was is not all that important when one considers that Hebrews extols the Lord Jesus. It argues for the supremacy of Christ; the book is all about him!
Who was it written to?
Hebrews, as the name suggests, was written to early Jewish Christians, probably in Palestine, who had faced persecution. Some had had property confiscated or destroyed but up to that point none of them had been killed (12:4). Despite their initial kindness and faithfulness to the persecuted (10:32-34), these believers had not matured spiritually (5:12-14). With a further wave of persecution looming some were considering abandoning Christianity to return to traditional Jewish practices. The letter was written to warn them about the dangers of apostasy (2:1-4; 3:1-4:13; 5:11-6:20; 10:26-39; 12:25-29), to set out the superiority of Christ over the Old Testament institutions and to encourage them to move on to maturity in their Christian faith.
One gets the impression that the content of Hebrews was first delivered as a sermon, then the author reproduced his notes as a letter.
1) His approach is informal; he uses first and second person pronouns like I, we, us and you.
2) The expressions he uses are conversational:
‘The things which we have heard,’ (2:1)
‘We have many things to say,’ (5:11)
‘Although we speak this way’ (6:9)
‘And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak…’ (11:32)
3) In 13:22 the author says: ‘And I beseech you, brethren, suffer (bear patiently with) the word of exhortation:’
That expression (‘word of exhortation’) also occurs in Acts 13:15. On their first missionary journey Paul and his friends went to the synagogue in Psidian Antioch one sabbath day and sat down. After the usual public reading of the scriptures the leaders of the synagogue issued an invitation to the visitors: ‘Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.’
Paul then proceeded to preach the longest of his sermons that we have on record. In Acts 13, therefore, we have an real-life example of ‘word of exhortation’ meaning a sermon.
Content and Purpose of Hebrews
The first section focuses on the person of Christ (1:1-4:13) and on the priesthood of Christ (4:14-10:18) . The whole epistle emphasizes the pre-eminence of Christ and the new covenant, frequently using the term ‘better’ to highlight this superiority. This is evident in several passages:
‘Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.’ (1:4)
‘For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.’ (7:19)
‘By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.’ (7:22)
‘But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.’ (8:6)
‘It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.’ (9:23)
‘For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.’ (10:34)
‘But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.’ (11:16)
‘Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:’ (11:35)
‘God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.’ (11:40)
‘And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.’ (12:24)
Although addressed primarily to Hebrew Christians, this is something that we need to know and appreciate today: The Lord Jesus Christ and all that we have in him is better than anything that we have ever had before.
Practical Lessons from Hebrews 10:19-25
Starting in Hebrews 10:19, the content of the letter changes from doctrine to practical application with the phrase ‘Having therefore.’ This signals a shift from knowledge to action, encouraging believers to live out their faith based on what they have been taught. The transition reminds us that the Bible is not merely for information but for transformation. We are to live out the truths we learn.
Having therefore’ – a great privilege
‘Let us’ – a great responsibility’
Let Us Draw Near (10:22)
We are invited to draw near to God with sincerity, faith, and a cleansed life. This direct approach, which was unthinkable for Old Testament believers, is now possible for all through Jesus’ sacrifice. Drawing near to God requires:
A correct heart: We must approach God sincerely and reverently, recognizing His holiness. Sincerity means coming to God with honesty, without pretence or hypocrisy.
A confident faith: We should draw near to God with full assurance of faith, trusting in His acceptance and promises.
A cleansed life: Our hearts and lives have been purified through Christ’s sacrifice, allowing us to approach God without guilt.
Let Us Hold Fast (10:23)
Believers are urged to hold fast to their confession of faith without wavering. This steadfastness is crucial in a world filled with uncertainties and challenges. Holding fast involves:
Continuing in our faith: Remaining unwavering in our beliefs despite opposition.
Living out our faith: Maintaining a high standard of Christian living.
Trusting God’s faithfulness: Believing that God, who has saved us, is faithful to His promises.
Let Us Consider One Another (10:24-25)
The final exhortation focuses on mutual encouragement within the Christian community. Believers are encouraged to:
Deliberate on how to encourage one another: Actively think of ways to spur each other on to love and good works.
Assemble together regularly: Not forsaking meetings, which provide fellowship and support.
Exhort one another: Continuously encourage and support one another, especially as the Day of Christ approaches.
Summation: Faith, Hope, and Love
As individuals and communities of faith, let us commit to:
Drawing Near: in faith
Holding Fast: to hope
Considering One Another: to promote love and good works
Together, let’s live out the faith, hope, and love that define our Christian walk, encouraging one another until the day of the Lord’s return.
Written Exposition 