by Ed Carton
Hebrews 10:19-25
Many times we have heard this section of scripture and have been taught that we are to come to church, which is a fact. However, there is so much more here and contrary to what has many times been preached. It has been presented as law, condemning those who are under grace and liberty to forcefully come to church. Verse 19-22 is telling us that we can come boldly before the Lord, without guilt by a perfect sacrifice that was shed once and for all. We have a clean conscience under grace, having been cleansed by the blood of Christ, law condemns, bringing judgment and guilt. It is by grace you are saved not of your works, you CANNOT be righteous in your own strength. Why is it that many churches get those in the world saved and set free only to put them back into a religious bondage, chaining them to religious do and don’ts. Yes, it is extremely important that we come together as the body of Christ. It is for this very reason that we need each other that we do not forsake the assembling. Ephesians 4:16 states that every joint supplying, that it causes increase in the Body edifying through love. So the next chance you have to assemble with your local body of Christ do not go out of duty but love.