Unlocking the "Hidden" Keys to a Powerful Christian Life in Hebrews 10
- Thad DeBuhr
- Aug 16
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Hebrews 10:19-25
The Main Message: Christians have direct access to God through Jesus's sacrifice and should actively strengthen their faith by holding onto hope, encouraging one another, and consistently gathering as a community.
You have the RIGHt to speak freely
In the United States, we often take for granted one of our most cherished rights: the First Amendment, which protects our freedom of speech. It means we can voice our opinions, challenge authority, and speak our minds without fear of government retribution. This right wasn't easily won; it was fought for and is consistently defended because we understand that the power of unhindered speech is foundational to a free society. The author of Hebrews introduces a similar, but infinitely more profound, concept. Let's explore how having the right to speak freely—and even boldly—in the presence of God is a revolutionary truth that we should never take for granted.
Before moving on, pause and read through Hebrews 10:19-25 in a couple of different translations. Choose two from this selection: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV
Setting the Scene: Hebrews 10:19-25
Hebrews 10:19-25 is a pivotal passage that transitions from dense theology to practical application. Having established Jesus as the ultimate high priest and his sacrifice as the final one, the author now urges his readers to act on these truths. The passage is structured around three key exhortations: a call to draw near to God, to hold fast to our hope, and to gather with one another.
The language is rich with imagery from the Old Testament sacrificial system. The author's mention of a "new and living way" through the "curtain, that is, his flesh" directly references the Temple curtain. In the Jerusalem Temple, this massive curtain separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was believed to reside. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The tearing of this curtain at Jesus's death (Matthew 27:51) was a cosmic event symbolizing that the way to God was now open to all. N.T. Wright emphasizes that this was not merely a physical event but a profound theological statement: God’s presence is no longer restricted.
A crucial word in this section is "boldness" (Greek: parrhesia). In ancient Greek culture, parrhesia referred to a citizen's right to speak freely and openly in the public assembly. This was a privilege of citizenship, a right to speak your mind without fear of reprisal.
The author of Hebrews applies this powerful concept to our relationship with God. Our right to approach the Creator of the universe is not based on our merit but on Jesus's work. This stands in stark contrast to the fear and trepidation that defined the Old Covenant's approach to God.
The passage then shifts from individual access to communal responsibility. The author presents a triad of commands: "let us hold fast," "let us consider how to stir one another up," and "let us not neglect to meet together." This communal focus is essential. As Brad Gray points out, the Christian faith is not meant to be practiced in isolation. For the original audience, who were facing persecution and social ostracism, gathering together was a matter of spiritual survival. The command to "consider how to stir one another up" (or "spur one another on" as some translations render it) implies an intentional, proactive effort. Craig S. Keener notes that this was a vital part of the early church's life—a communal effort to strengthen each other in faith, love, and good deeds, especially as they anticipated the "Day" of the Lord's return.
Rabbit Trail 1: The Historical Context of "Don't Forsake the Gathering Together"
To modern Christians and pastors, the verse in Hebrews 10:25 is often interpreted as an exhortation to maintain consistent church attendance. While this application has merit, it misses the far more urgent and existentially threatening context in which the author wrote. The original audience would have heard a warning not just about attendance, but about a choice that could lead to a total falling away and complete abandonment of their faith under intense pressure.
The First-Century Context
The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing immense pressure to revert to Judaism. These believers were enduring persecution and public shame for their faith in Jesus. In the Roman Empire, Christians were seen as a suspicious, anti-social cult. They refused to worship the emperor or participate in pagan festivals, which made them outcasts and even enemies of the state.
Forsaking the assembly was not just about missing a weekly service; it was a public declaration of separating from the Christian community. For a first-century believer, ceasing to meet with other Christians meant a few things:
A Total Falling Away and Fear: It was an act of "falling away" from the faith, often driven by fear of persecution. By rejoining the synagogue or simply disappearing from Christian gatherings, they were signaling their return to the security of their old way of life.
Abandoning Mutual Support: Early Christian gatherings were not just for worship; they were essential for survival. Believers shared resources, encouraged one another, and provided a support system in the face of immense hostility. To "forsake the assembling" was to abandon this lifeline.
The "Day" Approaching: The author tells them to continue gathering "all the more as you see the Day approaching." For these believers, "the Day" referred to the day of judgment or Christ's return. The immediate historical context was the impending destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (which would occur around A.D. 70). This event, a cataclysmic sign, would confirm the end of the old covenant and the finality of Christ's sacrifice. To forsake the community was to turn their back on this ultimate hope just as the signs were becoming clear.
In essence, the author of Hebrews wasn't just encouraging good spiritual habits. He was delivering an urgent, life-or-death warning against a public and deliberate act of renouncing Christ and His people. It was a direct response to a very real threat, not a gentle reminder about church attendance.
What a First-Century Gathering Looked Like
The modern-day concept of "going to church" is a stark contrast to what the original readers of Hebrews experienced. Today, we often drive to a dedicated building at a set time, sit in rows facing a stage, listen to a prepared message, sing songs led by a worship team, and then leave. The interaction is often limited to a few handshakes or quick conversations.
A first-century Christian gathering was fundamentally different. There were no designated church buildings. Instead, believers met in homes , often in secret, to avoid drawing attention from Roman authorities. These gatherings were not passive events but highly participatory. The format was less like a lecture and more like a family meal.
It was Interactive and Participatory: The apostle Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 14 paint a picture of these gatherings. Someone might share a word of prophecy, another a song, and another a teaching. Everyone had a part to play in "stirring up one another." It was a communal, organic experience.
It was a Matter of Survival: Community was not a luxury; it was a necessity. In a culture that could persecute them at any moment, Christians relied on each other for financial support, housing, and protection. To "forsake the gathering" meant abandoning your spiritual family and putting your life and well-being at risk.
The Focus was on Mutual Edification: The purpose wasn't to "be served" but to "serve one another." The Greek word for "fellowship," koinonia, means a shared life and partnership. They weren't just attending; they were contributing to the spiritual health of the community.
Understanding this difference is crucial. When the author of Hebrews pleads with his readers not to forsake the gathering, he is not merely saying, "Don't skip the Sunday sermon." He is saying, "Don't abandon the lifeline of your Christian family. Don't stop actively participating in the mutual encouragement that keeps your faith alive in the face of persecution. Don't turn your back on the very community that is your strength and identity in Christ." To allow your modern views of church to define this passage is to miss the urgent, deeply personal, and communal nature of what was being commanded. It's an invitation to see church not as a place you go, but as a people you are a part of.
Rabbit Trail 2:
Personal Responsibility
While the communal aspect of Hebrews 10:19-25 is undeniable—the author uses "let us" repeatedly to emphasize shared responsibility—the passage also places a profound emphasis on the personal responsibility of each believer. The three exhortations—to "hold fast," "consider how to stir up," and "not neglect to meet together"—are all active commands directed at the individual. The author doesn't say, "Let your church hold fast for you" or "Wait for a pastor to stir you up." Instead, each person is called to take ownership of their faith journey.
A common temptation for modern Christians is to hear the "let us" and interpret it as "let them." They see the call to action as something for "those other people"—the church leaders, the hyper-involved members, or the more spiritually mature. This mindset essentially allows them to abdicate their own personal responsibility in their walk with God and their own part in building a healthy Christian community. The Christian life is never presented as a passive experience where salvation is a one-time event and all subsequent growth is automated. Instead, the New Testament uses metaphors of farming, running a race, and engaging in spiritual warfare, all of which demand personal effort and discipline.
Common Ways Christians Abdicate Responsibility
The "Passive Spectator" Mentality: Many modern Christians view church as a service to be consumed rather than a community to participate in. They show up on Sunday, listen to a sermon, and expect to be spiritually fed without contributing to the life of the body. This mindset absolves them of the responsibility to "stir up one another" and leads to spiritual stagnation. The pastor becomes a paid spiritual professional whose job it is to keep them entertained and inspired, while they remain on the sidelines.
Blaming the Church or Pastor: When spiritual growth stalls, it's easy to shift the blame. "My church isn't deep enough," "The pastor isn't a good speaker," or "The programs don't meet my needs" become common refrains. While constructive criticism is healthy, this mindset often becomes an excuse to avoid personal accountability. The responsibility for one's spiritual health is placed on external factors, ignoring the internal call to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12).
The "Knowledge-Without-Application" Trap: With an abundance of podcasts, books, and online content, it's easier than ever to acquire vast amounts of theological knowledge. However, knowledge without application is spiritual anemic. The author of Hebrews isn't just concerned that his readers know about Jesus; he wants them to act on that knowledge. James 1:22 famously warns against this, stating, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Living in a Spiritual "Victim Rut": Some Christians get stuck in a cycle of blaming their past, their family, or their circumstances for their spiritual immaturity. While these things can certainly be obstacles, the Christian message is one of transformation and new creation. Paul, who faced immense hardship, consistently modeled a radical sense of personal responsibility, declaring, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). This is the opposite of a victim mentality.
In short, the message of Hebrews 10:19-25 is a clear summons to active, intentional discipleship. It calls each believer to rise above passivity and excuses and to take ownership of their faith—not in isolation, but in the context of a loving, supportive, and mutually responsible community.
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES DEEPER INTO THIS SECTION OF HEBREWS
See viewer comments and questions on screen at the end of the podcast.
Questions for you to chew on and discuss:
The word "boldness" (parrhesia) implies a citizen's right to speak freely. How does understanding this context change the way you approach God in prayer? In what areas of your life do you need to exercise this "spiritual free speech" more?
The author challenges us to "consider how to stir one another up to love and good works." What does this look like in a digital age? How can we move beyond passive consumption of Christian content and into proactive community building?
The author warns against neglecting to meet together "as some are in the habit of doing." What "habits" or cultural forces today make it easy to isolate ourselves spiritually? What intentional steps can we take to overcome them?
Journey Group Discussion Starter:
The author's use of "boldness" (parrhesia) to describe our access to God is incredibly powerful. As we "draw near," what does that mean for how we share our faith with others? How does our confidence in approaching God change our ability to speak about Him in our daily lives? Let's discuss how our group can be a place where we not only find support but also find the courage to share our journey with those outside our group.
How to Apply These Lessons from Hebrews Today:
This passage speaks to two fundamental aspects of the Christian life: our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationship with other believers.
First, our vertical relationship. We are invited to draw near to God with full confidence. This means approaching Him not just for requests but for honest conversation, lament, and adoration. The freedom to enter His presence allows for a deeply personal and authentic faith. It's a call to live with a constant awareness of His accessibility.
Real-Life Scenario: Instead of a scripted prayer before dinner, imagine a college student in a coffee shop, candidly talking to God about the anxiety they feel about a test. Or a person at the end of a long, difficult day, pouring out their frustrations and exhaustion to God with raw honesty, even anger. This is the boldness the author of Hebrews is talking about—the freedom to show up as you truly are, with no pretense, because you know you are welcome.
Second, our horizontal relationship. The Christian faith is not a solo sport. The command to "stir one another up" is an active responsibility. This can be as simple as reaching out to a fellow believer who is struggling, celebrating a spiritual victory with your small group, or holding each other accountable to live out your faith. The "good works" mentioned are not just random acts of kindness but purposeful deeds of love that build up the body of Christ and point to His kingdom.
Real-Life Scenario: This could be a text message to a friend who mentioned they're going through a tough time: "Hey, I've been thinking about you and am praying for you. Let me know if you want to chat." It could be a small group celebrating together when one member finally gets the job they've been praying for. Or it could be two friends meeting for coffee to discuss their spiritual goals and temptations, holding each other to a higher standard of faithfulness.
Finally, the passage's call to meet together is as relevant today as it was in the first century. In a world of increasing isolation and division, the local church and small groups are essential for mutual encouragement, support, and accountability. They are the training grounds where we practice stirring one another up.
Real-Life Scenario: This looks like showing up to your church's volunteer opportunity not because you have to, but because you want to serve others and be part of the community. It's a small group that moves beyond a simple Bible study and becomes a safe place where people can share their struggles without judgment, pray for each other's needs, and hold each other accountable to their commitments. They become the modern-day lifeline the first-century church had in its home gatherings.
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Much to think about in these passages. Thanks for this.
Thank you !