I remember as a child hearing Mozart’s variations on the tune of Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star for the first time. I was amazed at the ability of Mozart to take such a simple tune and present it in so many different ways. Each variation managed to retain the heart of the piece, but it made you consider it from a new angle. There are many passages in Scripture that work together to have the same effect.

This Sunday we began looking at the second of five warning passages in the book of Hebrews. A passage we didn’t have time to look at together that shares a lot of the same themes is found in Hebrews 10:19-25.

Hebrews 10:19–25 (NASB95)

19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Notice the repeated emphasis on the heart. In chapter 3, we are warned against a heart that goes astray. In chapter 10, we see the alternative – a sincere heart full of assurance of faith.

Notice also that both passages contain the only uses of the word “evil” in the whole book. To have come to see the reality of Jesus and then have a heart of unbelief and a conscience that refuses to respond to that knowledge in repentance is both tragic and evil. It is no small matter to our heavenly Father when the sacrifice of His Son is treated meanly.

Another similarity is the emphasis on the role of Jesus as our high priest and the source of our confidence. We are not told to look to our pattern of obedience for assurance, but to our confession of Christ. It is in remembering what He has accomplished that we find our peace.

Finally, and this will lead us into our time in the word this Sunday, note how both warnings lead into a challenge for believers to encourage one another in these things. In chapter 3, we encourage one another with the urgency of heeding the Gospel “today.” In chapter 10, we are encouraging one another to continue together in fellowship as we stir one another up towards love and good deeds.

The author of Hebrews is a master at reprising themes. How many have you noticed so far?