Exhortations to a Church: Apply the Gospel

Before appreciating the good news, we must first acknowledge the bad news. Humanity’s sin in Eden fractured our relationship with our Creator. This resulted in spiritual death, physical death, and the threat of eternal death.

The biblical narrative highlights the profound gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. The elaborate sacrificial system established under Moses provided only temporary and partial solutions to humanity’s sin problem.

At the tabernacle, and later the temple—specifically in the Most Holy Place—God was present with his people in a particular way. But access was severely restricted: Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, following precise rituals. A heavy curtain separated God from his people, symbolising humanity’s inability to approach him because of sin.

The author of Hebrews reveals the transformative good news: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God” (10:19–21).

Two crucial aspects of the good news emerge from these verses.

First, Jesus has done everything necessary to pay the full penalty for our sins and grant us permanent access to God. His sacrifice was complete and perfect. “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (10:14). This stands in stark contrast to the Old Testament’s endless sacrifices that could never fully resolve sin. The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death (Mark 15:37–38) symbolised the removal of barriers between God and humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice opened the way into God’s very presence, resolving our sin problem fully and forever.

Second, Jesus cares deeply about our struggles. As our “great priest over the house of God” (10:21), Jesus mediates between God and humanity with perfect empathy. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (4:15). Unlike mortal priests, who served temporarily, Jesus “holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (7:24–25). Jesus serves eternally as our intercessor and advocate.

The text offers three practical ways to apply these gospel truths.

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (10:22). Drawing near means living in relational closeness with God, approaching him as trusting children approach a loving father.

This transforms how we read Scripture: We can expect God to teach us, help us understand, and transform us through his word. It transforms how we pray: We can approach God honestly, confidently, and frequently, believing he hears us and delights in our communication. It transforms how we handle sin: Instead of avoiding God when we fail, we can run to him for mercy, confident of forgiveness. In transforms how we face temptation: We can seek help from Jesus who understands our struggles and provides strength. It transforms how we worship: We can confidently worship regardless of our performance during the week, knowing our acceptance is based on Christ’s work, not our own.

An “evil conscience” is one that fixates on our sin and stops there. It condemns us and tells us we cannot approach God, despite Jesus’ work. The gospel frees us from feeling we must perform to approach God.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (10:23). Biblical hope isn’t wishful thinking but confident expectation in what God has promised. When circumstances appear to contradict God’s promises—when sanctification seems impossible or suffering overwhelming—we must cling to biblical truths rather than our perceptions.

We can persevere because “he who promised is faithful.” God will fulfil his promises, including our complete transformation into Christ’s image, Jesus’ return, and the redemption of all things.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (10:24-25).

We are not meant to live the Christian life alone. We need others’ help and are called to help others. This includes reminding each other of gospel truths when doubts arise, struggles intensify, or sin overwhelms. We must help one another reject self-condemnation and embrace God’s grace.

A church community shaped by these gospel truths becomes a place where sinners find grace rather than judgement—a place where everyone acknowledges their own sinfulness while celebrating that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

By understanding and applying the gospel, believers find peace, relief, and joy. They approach God confidently as beloved children rather than fearful subjects. They persevere through suffering with unshakable hope. They create communities characterised by grace, truth, and mutual encouragement. The gospel isn’t just the entryway to Christianity; it’s the fuel for everyday Christian living.

This article is based on a sermon preached in early 2022 to the core group that Living Hope Church would send out to plant Pretoria West Bible Church.