The author of Epistle to the Hebrews says:
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”
The logic is:
Because of who Christ is and where He is → therefore hold fast to what you confess.
It might first make you go, huh? What? So, let’s go through the context to get what he is really saying here.
First: What does “passed through the heavens” mean?
This is priestly language.
In the Old Testament:
- the high priest passed through the veil
- into the Most Holy Place
- once a year
- with blood
- on behalf of the people
Hebrews is saying that Jesus Christ has done something far greater:
- He didn’t pass into an earthly sanctuary
- He didn’t enter a symbolic holy place
- He didn’t stand temporarily
He passed through the heavens — into the true presence of God.
That means:
✔ the work is finished
✔ access is secured
✔ nothing more needs to be added
✔ no further sacrifice is required
So Christ’s position is settled.
That matters.
Second: What is “our confession” in Hebrews?
This is crucial.
In Hebrews, “confession” does not mean:
- confessing sins repeatedly
- verbal positivity
- saying the right words
It means:
- our public allegiance and faith claim
- Jesus is sufficient
- Jesus alone
- not works, not law, not self-effort
It’s the same confession Hebrews keeps urging:
- don’t drift
- don’t go back
- don’t replace Christ with religious systems
So “hold fast your confession” means:
Don’t let go of Christ as your righteousness.
Now the connection: why does Christ’s priesthood secure our confession?
Because the temptation facing these believers was this:
“What if Christ isn’t enough?”
“What if we need something more?”
“What if we should go back to what feels safer?”
Hebrews answers:
You don’t hold fast because you’re strong.
You hold fast because Christ is already in the presence of God for you.
Your confession doesn’t keep Him there.
He keeps your confession alive.
This connects directly to verses 12–13
Remember what just happened which we looked into.
- God’s Word exposed hearts
- nothing is hidden
- self-reliance is laid bare
That could cause fear.
So Hebrews immediately says:
Yes, God sees everything — but you have a High Priest.
Meaning: Even when you see your weakness… Even when unbelief is exposed…Even when motives are mixed… Christ’s position hasn’t changed. So don’t retreat. Don’t loosen your grip. Don’t switch foundations.Hold fast to your confession.
Why Hebrews does not say “try harder”
Notice what Hebrews doesn’t say:
- “Hold fast by improving your obedience”
- “Hold fast by fixing yourself”
- “Hold fast by proving sincerity”
Instead, it points upward.
To Christ.
The command is grounded in His finished access, not our performance.
Simple summary
- Christ passed through the heavens → the work is finished
- He stands as High Priest → access is secure
- Therefore → don’t let go of Christ as your confidence
Holding fast isn’t effort.
It’s refusal to switch foundations from grace to legalism.
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