Hebrews 10:22 — “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a call to action. After explaining that Jesus has opened the way to God through His sacrifice and that He now serves as our great High Priest, the writer tells us what to do: draw near to God. This is not just a suggestion—it’s an invitation based on everything Jesus has done.
We’re told to come with a “sincere heart,” meaning we’re not faking it or going through religious motions. We come honestly, humbly, and openly. And we come with “full assurance”—complete confidence that faith gives us because of Jesus. We’re not wondering whether we’re welcome—we know we are.
The verse also describes our inner and outer cleansing: hearts sprinkled (a picture of our conscience being made clean by Christ’s blood) and bodies washed (possibly referring to baptism, which symbolizes the new life and purity we have in Him). This means we’re completely washed—inside and out.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, only priests could enter the holy areas of the tabernacle or temple, and they had to go through ceremonial washings and sprinklings with blood or water to be considered clean (see Leviticus 8 and Numbers 19). Even then, people couldn’t go directly into God’s presence.
The book of Hebrews shows how all those old practices pointed to something greater—Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. Now, believers don’t need to go through ritual washings or rely on a priest to approach God. Instead, every follower of Christ is invited to come directly into God’s presence, fully cleansed through Jesus.
This was a huge shift for Jewish Christians, who had grown up under the old system. The message here is that because of Jesus, the way is open—and it’s open to all who believe.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several rich truths:
- God wants us to come close. He’s not distant. He welcomes us to draw near.
- We can approach Him with confidence. Not based on our good works, but because we’ve been made clean by Jesus.
- Faith brings assurance. We don’t approach in fear, but with full assurance that God has accepted us in Christ.
- Salvation cleanses both the heart and the life. The change isn’t just outward—it’s inward too.
This verse brings together the work of Christ, the response of faith, and the resulting relationship we now enjoy with God.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a larger section beginning in verse 19 that urges believers to respond to the truth of the gospel. It’s structured as a call: “Let us draw near…”
The language of cleansing (“sprinkled,” “washed”) mirrors the language used in temple worship but points to a deeper, spiritual reality. The structure of the verse balances the inward (“hearts sprinkled… guilty conscience”) with the outward (“bodies washed… pure water”), showing that salvation affects the whole person.
The tone is warm and welcoming, not commanding or cold. It’s a relational invitation from a God who has made the first move.
Biblical Cross-References
- James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
- Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
- Titus 3:5 – “He saved us… by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
- 1 Peter 1:2 – “…sprinkled with his blood.”
- Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?… The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.”
These passages reinforce the message that God welcomes those who come to Him through faith in Jesus—and He’s the one who cleanses and prepares us to come.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For every believer, this verse is a daily reminder: you can come close to God. You don’t need to be afraid. You don’t need to try to make yourself “worthy” first. If you trust in Jesus, you are already cleansed and welcomed.
It also reminds us to be real with God—to come with a sincere heart. He doesn’t want performances or pretend prayers. He wants relationship.
And it encourages us to hold onto the confidence that comes through faith. Even when we feel weak or unworthy, we remember that our assurance doesn’t come from ourselves—it comes from Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Only a loving God would say, “Draw near to Me.” He doesn’t stand at a distance. He makes the first move. He prepares the way. He cleanses us. And then He invites us in.
God’s love is shown not only in what He’s done through Jesus, but in the way He now calls us to come close, rest in His presence, and walk with Him daily.
This is not the love of a cold judge—it’s the love of a gracious Father.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse only makes sense because of Jesus. He is the one who made the way, provided the cleansing, and invites us to draw near. His blood is what sprinkles our hearts clean. His Spirit renews us and gives us new life.
- Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more… will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death.”
- John 13:10 – “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.”
- John 17:19 – “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
Jesus didn’t just give us forgiveness—He gave us access and invites us to live near to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it look like for you to “draw near” to God in your daily life?
- Do you struggle with feeling confident in God’s presence? Why or why not?
- How does the image of being cleansed—heart and body—encourage you today?
- Are there areas where you feel you’re going through the motions rather than coming with a sincere heart?
- What changes when you truly believe that God wants you close, not far?