Beyond the Curtain

I vividly remember admiring the splendor and reverence of Scottish post-reformation churches as a child. Sandstone masonry supported a steeple and oversized decorative doors. Inside, wooden-crafted pews and pulpits glowed as the sun’s rays pierced the ornate stained-glass windows. A rail enveloped the sacred, inaccessible, or forbidden altar and presbytery reserved only for clergy.

However, I recall pondering, “Is God really that inaccessible? Are we forbidden to draw near to God?” Scripture enlightened my skewed perspective.

The author of Hebrews clarifies our posture, position, and permission regarding God’s most holy place and presence. Unlike the inaccessible Levitical system, when only the High Priest entered beyond the curtain into the Holy of Holies in the earthly tabernacle, now Jesus is forever our great High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle. As his followers, we can confidently enter God’s most Holy Place and presence.

Jesus, our new and living way, makes our heavenly Father always accessible. We can commune daily with him whose unrelenting love, mercy, and grace sustains, sanctifies, and satisfies our souls.

Through Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice, we can experience intimacy with God — not once but ongoing, daily, at any time. This affirms our new and living way of faith. We can draw near to God with a sincere heart and “the full assurance that faith brings”, fully immersing ourselves in his holy presence.

Do you desire greater intimacy with God? By Jesus’ eternal sufficient sacrifice and blood, you can confidently enter heaven’s once forbidden place to experience a never-before realized intimacy with God.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus’ sacrifice provides a new and living way that allows me to enter beyond the veil and experience communion and intimacy in your presence. Create in me a sincere heart that confidently, and with the full assurance that faith brings, draws near to you every day of my faith journey. Amen.