What does Hebrews 10:22 mean?

This passage is a point of encouragement, following a long explanation. The writer of Hebrews has completed his description of how the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This was supported using many Old Testament Scriptures, as well as other convincing arguments. Given all of this support, Christians have every reason to be confident and courageous in living out their faith.

At the same time, this knowledge of Christ should inspire us to take full advantage of the benefits offered for those who are saved. Earlier, it was pointed out that old covenant animal sacrifice could not change a person from the inside. That blood was ceremonial, but it did not truly clean the conscience. Animal sacrifice only reminded us that our sin remained (Hebrews 10:1–4). Under the new covenant, Christians can truly experience a release of guilt. And, in order to live the life to which we are called, we should set aside feelings of guilt, since all of our sins are truly forgiven.

The old covenant placed great emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness. Priests and other worshippers had to follow certain washing rituals in order to communicate with God (Exodus 30:18–21). Here, the writer of Hebrews implies that even though we are forgiven, we ought to make our own effort to be "washed" when we "draw near" to God. This is similar to the idea expressed in verses such as 1 John 1:9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8: that we ought to separate ourselves from sinful behaviors and attitudes as part of our fellowship with God (1 John 1:5–10).