The Way Has Been Opened

Main Text: Hebrews 10:19–22 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:14–16; Matthew 27:50–51; James 4:8

Big Idea: We do not enter God’s presence through personal goodness or religious performance. We draw near because Jesus opened the way through His blood.

I. God Desires Fellowship With Us

A. God created humanity for relationship.

B. God delivered Israel to bring them to Himself.

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” —Exodus 19:4

C. God’s presence is not reserved for spiritually elite people.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” —James 4:8

Key Statement: God’s presence is not a reward for perfect people. It is where imperfect people are transformed.

II. Sin Created Distance From God

A. Sin separated humanity from fellowship with God.

“But your iniquities are separating you from your God.” —Isaiah 59:2

B. Under the old covenant, access was restricted.

C. The curtain represented separation.

D. The high priest entered the Most Holy Place only once each year and never without blood.

“But the high priest alone entered the second room, and he did that only once a year, and never without blood.” —Hebrews 9:7

Key Statement: God is loving, but He is also holy. His presence cannot be approached casually or independently of His provision.

III. Jesus Opened the Way

A. Jesus became our perfect sacrifice.

B. When Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn.

“Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.” —Matthew 27:51

C. The curtain was torn from top to bottom because access was God’s idea.

D. Jesus became the new and living way.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6

E. We enter through the blood of Jesus.

“Since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus…” —Hebrews 10:19

Key Statement: Humanity did not work its way up to God. Through Christ, God opened the way for humanity to come near.

IV. We Approach Through Grace, Not Performance

A. Our confidence is not in our behavior.

B. Our confidence is not in our emotions.

C. Our confidence is in the finished work of Jesus.

“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16

D. Grace tells us to come when we need mercy.

E. Shame tells us to hide, but grace tells us to draw near.

Key Statement: You do not clean yourself up so that you can enter God’s presence. You enter God’s presence so that He can cleanse and transform you.

V. Draw Near With a Sincere Heart

A. God desires honesty, not performance.

“Surely you desire integrity in the inner self.” —Psalm 51:6

B. We do not have to pretend before God.

C. We can pour out our hearts to Him.

“Pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.” —Psalm 62:8

D. Drawing near begins when pretending ends.

E. A sincere heart allows God to search and correct it.

“Search me, God, and know my heart.” —Psalm 139:23

Reflection Question: Am I honestly seeking God, or am I merely maintaining a religious appearance?

Closing

The way is open.

The curtain has been torn.

The blood has been shed.

The throne of grace is available.

God is not telling you to remain outside. He is calling you to come near.

Altar Focus: Salvation, shame, condemnation, spiritual distance, and restoring fellowship with God.