In Hebrews chapters 9 and 10, the author draws a clear distinction between the first and second covenants, emphasizing the superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:1 explains that just as the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and an earthly sanctuary, so does the second covenant. The sacrificial system of the first covenant was fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, and now, under the second covenant, we enter into a new form of worship.
The ordinances of divine service under the new covenant are expressed in the gathering of the Church for worship, a key theme in Hebrews 10:19-25. The New Testament shows that the Church’s liturgy in this new covenant includes prayer, communion, congregational singing, and preaching—acts of worship carried out when believers assemble, particularly on the Lord’s Day (Sunday). Let’s explore this passage and see how these acts of worship are central to our Christian faith and worship.
Boldness to Enter the Holiest (Hebrews 10:19-21)
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God..." (Hebrews 10:19-21, NKJV).
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been granted boldness to enter the very presence of God. In the first covenant, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and that only once a year (Hebrews 9:7). Now, as followers of Christ, we can approach God with confidence through the "new and living way" that Jesus has made possible. The "veil" that once separated man from God has been torn down through Christ’s body, opening access to God. This boldness is what we bring into the assembly as we gather for worship.
Drawing Near in Prayer and Faith (Hebrews 10:22)
"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, NKJV).
Worship in the new covenant includes the privilege of prayer. When we gather together, we are invited to draw near to God, coming before Him in faith. Prayer is an essential aspect of worship, as seen in the early church’s practice (Acts 2:42). Our hearts, cleansed by the blood of Christ, allow us to approach God with confidence, trusting that our prayers are heard.
Holding Fast to Our Hope and Communion (Hebrews 10:23)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).
The second covenant includes communion, a regular act of worship in which we remember the sacrifice of Christ. Holding fast to our confession involves a commitment to remembering and proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). This act of communion ties us directly to the worship of the new covenant, where we declare our hope in the finished work of Christ.
Stirring One Another in Love and Good Works (Hebrews 10:24)
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works..." (Hebrews 10:24, NKJV).
Congregational singing is a powerful way the church encourages one another. In Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, Paul instructs believers to sing "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," which is a vital part of the Church’s worship. This act of worship helps us to stir one another in love, reminding each other of the grace and goodness of God.
Encouraging One Another in the Assembly (Hebrews 10:25)
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25, NKJV).
The assembly of believers on the Lord’s Day is central to Christian worship. Here, preaching (exhortation) takes place, as the Word of God is shared to encourage, teach, and build up the body of Christ. The early church met on the first day of the week to break bread, pray, and hear the apostles’ teaching (Acts 20:7; Acts 2:42), and this pattern continues today. The call to not forsake gathering together is a reminder that worship is communal, not solitary.
I’m sure that you notice that “giving” as an act of worship is not listed here in our Hebrews text. No doubt “giving” is an act of worship because the financial gifts go across the altar of worship (1 Cor. 9). The giving as an act of worship is just like any other but the liturgical service, or act, is done separate from the involvement of the heart (2 Cor. 8:10-12; 9:6; 1 Cor. 16:12). For this reason, giving is not represented in Hebrews 10.
Conclusion
Hebrews 10:19-25 reveals that under the new covenant, worship is transformed. We no longer offer the sacrifices of the first covenant, but instead, we come boldly into God’s presence through Jesus, our High Priest. Our worship now consists of prayer, communion, singing, and exhortation, all done in the assembly of the saints on the Lord’s Day. These acts of worship unite us as we draw near to God in faith, hold fast to our hope, and encourage one another in love, always remembering that Christ’s sacrifice has opened the way for us to worship in spirit and truth.