“let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).
A careful reading of Hebrews 10:22 reveals several essential attributes for drawing near to God in Christ. As we examine these attributes in greater detail, we are sure to find that they are more important than they may initially seem to appear.
The first attribute given to us here within this verse is a “true heart.” When we say that something is “true,” we’re saying that it corresponds (or “goes along”) with reality. In other words, “truth” means that we are talking about things the way they really are. One source clarifies this definition for us: “{true is] opposite to what is fictitious, counterfeit, imaginary, simulated or pretended.” (1)
That brings us to the word “heart.” As mentioned in a previous study, the word “heart” is represented by the word kardia in the original language of this passage. It also forms the basis for our modern-day word “cardiac.” Kardia refers to our innermost being in a physical, spiritual, or emotional sense. So when taken together, these definitions encourage us to draw near to God in Christ with an internal attitude of sincerity, honesty, and authenticity.
Ordinarily, the idea of drawing near to God with a true heart would be impossible for any fallible human being. To quote the prophet Jeremiah (one of the author of Hebrews’ favorite Old Testament sources), “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NLT).
Jesus also made a similar observation regarding the heart…
“…the words that come out of your mouth come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God. Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others. These are what make you unclean…” (Matthew 15:18-20 CEV).
Therefore, it is helpful to remember a key that was given to us earlier in this chapter: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19 NLT). This illustrates why we need an internally heart-changing relationship with Christ, for we can only enter God’s presence with true hearts through what He has done for us. As Jesus also reminded us in His Sermon On The Mount…
“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
(1) G228 alethinos Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g228/nlt/mgnt/0-1/