Christian Life
J. Colwell. Hebrews 10:22-24 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience… I. "LET US DRAW NEAR." "Us." All Christians. Christianity is a spiritual democracy. "Near." The "middle wall" is gone; Jews and Gentiles are near to each other. How? 1. With the heart. Some honour God "with their lips, bug their heart is far from Him." You meet an acquaintance, and complain that he was distant, i.e., he was not hearty. 2. With sincerity. "A true heart." We may be hearty without being honest. 3. With faith. Note the relative position of this. Only hearty and honest seekers will ever be true believers, such always will "in an honest and good heart receive the word." Bug though faith is placed after heartiness and honesty, let it not be overlooked-otherwise our coming is vain. 4. "With a pure heart." Sprinkled from an evil conscience, &c. Conscience no longer accuses; our sins are forgiven. Conscience no longer sleeps, allowing us to sin, but is restored to its original office. Conscience is no longer defiled; it is washed, purged. Outward life is, therefore, right — "Our bodies washed with pure water." II. "LET US HOLD FAST." 1. What to? "The profession of our faith," or, "the confession of our hope." This is a better rendering. Christianity is a hope — "Christ in you the hope of glory." That is Christianity in a sentence. The confession is the outward sign of the invisible hope. Duty to confess, and to hold fast to the confession. 2. "Hold fast." A drowning man, holding a rope, brings all the nervous force of his system into his hands, and clings for dear life. Put all the force of the soul into faith, and so cling to Jesus. 3. "Without wavering." Very fashionable now to doubt; and we are told if, we certainly believe anything we cannot grow. Be it so. We can only be safe, happy, strong, or useful, by being fully decided — by ceasing to waver. III. "LET US CONSIDER." A Christian man is a thoughtful man. From the nature of his position — saved from the wreck — he is in a position to look around — to think. 1. "To provoke one another." Not to say: "I am safe," or, "I shall enjoy religion"; but to consider the work of your fellows and the wants of others. Not to say: "How little can I do," but how much. 2. "Provoke one another." 3. "To love and good works." Who shall love most, who shall do most, is the only question worth asking- the only provocation Christianity allows. (J. Colwell.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. WEB: let's draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water,