Hebrews 10:19 — “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks a turning point in the book of Hebrews. After building the case that Jesus is the perfect High Priest and the final sacrifice for sin, the writer now calls believers to respond. He says we can have confidence—not hesitation, not fear—to come into the “Most Holy Place.” That’s the innermost part of the temple, where God’s presence dwelled in the Old Testament. Under the old covenant, only the high priest could go there, and only once a year, after a long list of cleansing rituals. It was a place that symbolized closeness to God, but also separation because of sin.
Now, through the blood of Jesus, every believer has direct access to God. No more barriers. No more fear. The sacrifice of Jesus opened the way.
This verse tells us: if you belong to Jesus, you can come freely and confidently into God’s presence—anytime.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies) was the most sacred part of the temple. It held the ark of the covenant and represented God’s throne on earth. A heavy curtain separated it from the rest of the temple. No one dared enter, except the high priest, and even he had to follow strict rules or risk death.
When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). That wasn’t just a dramatic moment—it was a declaration. God was saying the separation between Him and His people was over. The way into His presence was now open, not through rituals or sacrifices, but through Jesus‘ blood.
For Jewish believers who had grown up under the old system, this was revolutionary. They were being told that access to God wasn’t limited to a select few—it was available to all who trust in Christ.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that the blood of Jesus gives us full access to God. We don’t come timidly, hoping we’re good enough. We come boldly, knowing that Jesus is good enough and has made the way for us.
It also teaches us that prayer, worship, and relationship with God are not earned—they are gifts of grace, bought by Jesus’ death.
Finally, this verse reminds us that Christianity is not about keeping your distance from a holy God. It’s about being welcomed into His presence through Jesus. That changes everything about how we relate to Him.
Literary Analysis
The word “Therefore” connects this verse to everything that came before it—especially the argument from verses 1–18 that Jesus‘ sacrifice is complete and final. “Brothers and sisters” makes this a family conversation. The writer isn’t just speaking to theologians or priests—he’s talking to every believer.
The phrase “confidence to enter” is strong. In Greek, it implies freedom, boldness, and assurance. This is not arrogance—it’s trust in what Jesus has done. The “Most Holy Place” is rich with Old Testament meaning. It’s not just about a location—it symbolizes nearness to God.
And the way we enter? “By the blood of Jesus.” That phrase is central. Our confidence doesn’t come from us—it comes from the cross.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 27:51 – “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
- Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
- Romans 5:2 – “Through him we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
- John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
All of these verses reinforce the truth that Jesus is the way into God’s presence, and He invites us to come near.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is incredibly practical. It means you don’t have to be afraid to come to God. You don’t have to wonder if you’re clean enough, worthy enough, or spiritual enough. If you’ve trusted in Jesus, you are welcome.
You can pray with confidence. You can worship freely. You can bring your fears, doubts, sins, and struggles into God’s presence—and you will not be turned away.
It also means we can stop trying to earn our way to God. Jesus has already done that for us. Our job is to come.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse is a picture of God’s love. A holy God doesn’t just forgive us—He invites us in. He tears down the curtain. He opens the door. He says, “Come close.”
This is the love of a Father who doesn’t want distance. He wants relationship. And He was willing to pay the highest price—His own Son’s blood—to make that relationship possible.
God’s love is not distant or cold. It’s warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points directly to what Jesus has done. He is the reason we can come near to God. His blood opened the way. His sacrifice tore down the barrier. His resurrection sealed the invitation.
- Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood.”
- Colossians 1:20 – “…through him to reconcile to himself all things… by making peace through his blood.”
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
Jesus didn’t just give us a new path—He is the path.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Do you ever struggle with feeling unworthy to approach God? How does this verse speak to that?
- What does “confidence to enter” look like in your prayer life?
- Are there ways you still try to “earn” your access to God, instead of trusting in Jesus?
- How does this verse help you understand the difference between the old covenant and the new?
- How can you live each day in light of the access you’ve been given to God through Jesus?