I guarantee that if I were to ask 50 people whether or not they like being confident, I would get an affirmative response from every single one of them. Having confidence is key in our world.
Think of a time when you were extremely confident. How did your confidence affect what you said or did? Whether it was a test you studied for, a song you learned, or even something as simple as knowing an argument well before presenting it to a friend, confidence definitely made things a whole lot easier.
The dictionary defines confidence as “The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something.” Another definition is even more blatant: “A state of feeling certain about the truth of something.”
In the New International Version of Hebrews 10:19, the author utilizes the concept of confidence to describe how we access God through Jesus: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” Thanks to Jesus’ intercession in our lives, we can now approach God with confidence.
However, the first translation of the Bible from the original Greek uses the word ‘boldness’ instead of ‘confidence’. Look at how the tone of the same verse changes by changing just one word: “Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”
‘Boldness’. Sounds a lot more intentional, doesn’t it?
They Took Note
In fact, the original Greek word for ‘boldness’ is ‘parrēsian’, the same word used in Acts 4:13 to describe the courage of Peter as he defended his beliefs before the religious leaders of the Sanhedrin: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Boldness implies action and movement. It’s of no coincidence that the dictionary defines a bold person as one “showing an ability to take risks.”
So when it comes to approaching God through the wonderful sacrifice of Jesus, what’s holding you back? Do you feel you lack boldness because of guilt? Thank God there’s a remedy for that too, right back in Hebrews 10:22:
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
This text is a game changer for me. It makes me realize my guilt is powerless in the presence of Jesus. His once-and-for-all sacrifice gives me the confidence and boldness I need to approach God openly, without fear of judgment.
So now that you know you can approach God with boldness, fully sure that Jesus represents you through His perfect sacrifice, what’s seriously stopping you? Whatever it is, guilt, sins or otherwise, it’s no match for the mercy you’ll receive at His feet.
Lift up your head and be confident. In the name of Jesus, be bold
