What does it take to be bold?

If we could track the human thought processes during periods of crisis or apprehension, all roads would eventually lead back to one anticipated fear:  We become bold when we perceive something important to be at risk.

But how can I be bold if I’m not aware of any potential loss?

For example, as a member of Jesus Christ’s Body, is there really anything for me to lose?  My redemption is secure, having been “sealed” with Him. [Eph. 1:13]  As a result, I’ll always belong to God.

[What is “redemption?” see: Different fruit, Same Good News.]

Even so, boldness is a crucial ingredient of faith that has been diminished over the centuries. And that’s a shame, because an essential part of the good news that Jesus taught His disciples was that they did indeed have something to lose if they weren’t gonna’ be bold about what they believed. [Matt. 10:16-39]

The author of the Hebrews letter had good reasons for encouraging the readers to be bold about “drawing near to the throne of grace.” [Heb. 4:16] .  While all forgiveness for the sins of mankind had already been accomplished, the context of this and a subsequent passage is clear: God’s only medium for cleansing has always been vested in the office of the High Priesthood, and since the day of His ascension up to the present day, Jesus Christ has been executing every function of that office:

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness for entering the holy places because of the blood of Jesus…and [having a] great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with [a] true heart, in full assurance of faith, having [our] hearts sprinkled [clean] from [an] evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] reliable…” [Heb. 10: 19, 21-23]  [my emphasis]

[παρρησία: boldness, confidence, frankness, public openness (of speech)]

[Why do I need to understand what the High Priesthood is?  see: Not Clean? …Not Good.]

“Let us hold fast…let us draw near…having boldness.”  To the readers who were Jewish converts of the First Century, gaining the confidence to draw near to God might have had them shaking in their sandals.  Yet, for those of us whose roots are not steeped in the rituals of Hebraic sacrificial statutes, our confidence is sown in shallower soil.

But even then, it has to grow, and it has to prevail in an environment surrounded by weeds. [Matt. 13:24-26]

The rewards of boldness are actually twofold.  One is the ability given to persevere in the battle to stay clean, which is the will of God.  But it’s also receiving the promise itself—a direct result of accomplishing His will:

“Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which has great reward, for you all have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.”  [Heb. 10:35-36]  [my emphasis]

[Promise?  What promise?  see:  A Better Hope of Perfection]

But then, if I think I have nothing to lose, why should I be bold?