The Old Testament restricted access to God's presence. But something has changed! What does it mean to have 'confidence' to enter the 'holiest'?

The Apostle, concluding his doctrinal discussion, transitions to practical exhortation. He reminds believers that unlike the Old Covenant, where access to the Most Holy Place was heavily restricted and fraught with peril for the High Priest, we now have full liberty. This isn't a human achievement, but a divine gift 'by the blood of Jesus.' This blood signifies not just Christ's sacrifice, but the very ground upon which our access is secured. It's the basis for our 'confidence' (parrhesia), a word that speaks of freedom, openness, and fearless boldness, allowing us to approach God directly.

The Old Covenant had a way into God's presence, but it involved a veil and yearly ritual. What makes the 'way' Christ opened so different and 'new'?

The author of Hebrews uses imagery from the tabernacle to explain our access to God. The 'holiest' (or Most Holy Place) was separated by a veil. Christ, through His sacrifice, has consecrated a 'new and living way' for us. This way is 'new' because it's a fresh, living reality, unlike the old, often lifeless rituals. It's 'living' because it flows from Christ Himself, who is the very source of life. The veil, representing the separation caused by sin, was torn at Christ's death, signifying that the way into God's presence is now fully open. This isn't a physical path, but a spiritual reality established by Christ's finished work.