Abstract:
Hebrews 10:19-25 is an important pericope, being a summary of the previous section and an introduction to the next section in Hebrews. It contains four exhortations of which the first three are presented in the subjunctive and the last in the participle. These exhortations (vv.22-25) aptly summarise the Christian life (vita Christiana) and find their base in "the new and living way" which was opened up to Christians via the "blood of Jesus" and via "his body" (vv.19-21). Within this cultic context, the first exhortation serves as the "votum" of the vita Christiana which is a call to worship (v.22), whilst the second is a confession of hope (v.23). The third exhortation focuses on the ethics of the Christian life (v.24) and the fourth on the importance of the community of believers (v.25). Each exhortation provides the reason why, or the manner in which they ought to become a reality.
