Therefore, brothers and sisters . . . we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. (Heb. 10:19)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:19
When I was a child, I grew up in a semi-Buddhist home. Regularly, my family members would present offerings to our deceased ancestors, who were supposedly now living in the spirit realm. I can remember bowing down before a large picture of some of those ancestors, praying that they would send me good luck. I also presented offerings to them to show them honor and assure them that they had not been forgotten. However, I also gave out of fear, because ancestral spirits can be fickle. One day they can be in a good mood, while the next day they can be in a bad mood. One day they may like what is offered to them, but the next day they may be upset by the same kind of offering that had been given the day before. I lived in a state of insecurity that if what I offered was not “acceptable,” my ancestors would wreak havoc in my life.
While I was in high school, my friend Andy shared with me about Jesus Christ. One reason I was willing to listen to what Andy shared with me was because he told me that I could have confidence that Jesus loves me and desires the best for me. I am so thankful that I can approach God with confidence because Jesus has already paid the penalty for my sin.
Rejoice that you can approach God confidently because Jesus died for you.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
