Drawing Near: The Call to Community and Communion with God
In the book of Hebrews, we encounter a powerful transition from theological truth to practical application. After chapters of exploring the supremacy of Christ’s priesthood and sacrifice, the writer shifts to answer a crucial question: Because all these amazing things are true about Jesus, how should we live?
The answer comes in the form of confident invitations and clear commands that shape the Christian life.
The Foundation: What Jesus Has Done
Before we can understand how to live, we must grasp what has been accomplished. Through the blood of Jesus, we have confidence to enter the holy places. This isn’t presumption—it’s the result of Christ’s finished work. Jesus has become our Passover lamb, providing atonement. He is our righteousness, justifying us through His blood. As our merciful high priest, He has secured forgiveness. As our mediator, He has opened the way to the Father.
Perhaps most remarkably, when Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple tore from top to bottom. This wasn’t an accident or natural occurrence—it was God’s dramatic declaration that the separation was finished. Access was now available, not just for the high priest once a year, but for all who would come through Christ.
Tragically, religious tradition likely repaired that curtain. How often does religion erect false barriers that keep people from accessing the presence of God? Jesus tears down the dividers, inviting us to come freely, while human systems rebuild them, insisting on separation and restriction.
Three Practical Imperatives
The writer of Hebrews offers three clear commands that flow from these theological truths:
1. Let Us Draw Near
Come to God with confidence. Come with your prayers, your praise, your needs, your anxiety, your fear. When small children mess up, they instinctively run to their parents for help. As they grow older, they learn to hide. Too often, Christians adopt this older child’s approach with God—thinking we need to clean ourselves up before we can approach Him.
The invitation is different: Draw near with a true heart, acknowledging the mess, confessing the sin, admitting our inability to fix ourselves. Come in full assurance of faith, knowing that Jesus is not only willing to make a way but eager to apply His cleansing and righteousness to us.
Our hearts can be sprinkled clean from an evil conscience. Romans 8:1 declares there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Our sins are forgiven. Our brokenness can be healed. There is a way to the Father through Jesus.
2. Let Us Hold Fast
Drawing near is the first step; staying near is the second. Hold fast to your confession of hope without wavering. What confession? That Jesus is Lord. That Jesus is Savior. That He has cleansed you through His righteousness, not your own.
Why can we hold fast? Not because we are strong or good, but because “He who promised is faithful.” The faithfulness of Jesus enables our perseverance. His perfect obedience, His completed work, His unchanging character—these are the anchors that keep us secure when storms arise.
3. Let Us Consider One Another
The third command shifts focus outward: Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Interestingly, the Greek word for “stir up” often carries a negative connotation—to provoke, to bother, to annoy. The idea is almost humorous: bother one another so much that you love more.
The truth behind this language is profound. Loving one another and doing good works doesn’t happen naturally. People can annoy us. Circumstances get under our skin. We need one another to provoke us toward love—love for God and especially love for one another.
The Command We Cannot Ignore
Following these three imperatives comes a statement that feels almost like a fourth command: Do not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
This is not a suggestion. It’s a biblical command for the people of God to gather together. The “spiritual but not religious” approach, the “I’m a Christian but don’t like organized religion” mentality—these contradict the clear teaching of Scripture.
Why is gathering so important? Because there are 59 “one another” commands in the New Testament. Love one another. Honor one another. Prefer one another. Greet one another. Be hospitable to one another. To obey these commands, you need another. You cannot fulfill God’s design for Christian life in isolation.
The Church: Embassy, Outpost, and Family
The church functions as an embassy—a piece of heaven’s kingdom representing its values, judgments, and glory in a foreign land. When believers gather, they create sovereign territory where the King’s rule is acknowledged and His ways are practiced.
The church is also an outpost—a fortified place where soldiers can be resupplied, wounded believers can heal, and healthy disciples can be redeployed. It’s a safe space in hostile territory where we take ground from the enemy for the King who commissioned us.
Biblically, the church reflects the Trinity itself—God existing in perfect communion for all eternity. As image bearers, we reflect God in community. We are called a body—multiple interdependent parts unable to thrive in isolation. We are a family, belonging to one another. We are branches connected to the vine.
Practical Expressions of Gathering
Gathering takes many forms: Sunday worship services where Scripture is read publicly, where believers sing together (not just listening to Spotify alone), where the Word is preached, and where communion is celebrated. Five times in 1 Corinthians 11, Paul emphasizes “when you come together” regarding the Lord’s Supper.
Beyond Sunday gatherings, community happens in small groups where questions can be asked and practical application discussed. It happens at events, in friendships, on hikes, at barbecues—whenever believers come together.
The invitation stands: Draw near to God with confidence. Hold fast to your confession without wavering. Consider how to stir up one another toward love and good works. And do not neglect gathering with the people of God.
Jesus gave His life for the church—the bride of Christ, believers gathered in unity and community. When we enter in, when we show up, when we give ourselves in love and service to fellow believers, our lives are blessed by that community of individuals chasing after knowing, loving, and living for Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
The curtain has been torn. The way is open. The invitation is extended. Will you come?
______
This content was created with AI assistance based on a recent sermon preached at Cross+Crown and reviewed by church staff. You can access the sermon here.