Access to God
On the Friday before Easter, the Bible records several events. We find the arrest, the trial, and the crucifixion of Jesus. We find Peter denying Christ and we find Jesus' burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
But there is one thing that occurred on that day for which you and I should be eternally grateful. It is found in Matthew 27:51 – 56. Jesus had already been beaten. The trials before Pilate and Herod had already taken place. Jesus had been beaten and humiliated before an angry crowd of people. He had been placed on the cruel cross of shame and dishonor. He has spoken His last words while on that cross. And the Bible tells us that Jesus died. According to Matthew 27:50 Jesus “yielded up His spirit.” No man took His life; He gave His life for you and for me.
Then something wonderful occurred. The veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The veil of the temple was a curtain that separated the holy place from the Most Holy Place of the temple. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place. Behind that curtain was the presence of God and no one other than the High Priest was allowed access to that place.
But Jesus' death did something important. It opened access for all men to the presence of God Himself. And the tearing of the veil from top to bottom symbolized that access to God Himself. We must understand that Jesus is the eternal sacrifice thereby destroying the need for the Jewish sacrificial system. His sacrifice was perfect. Never again would there need to be lamb sacrifices for the sins of the people. The perfect Lamb of God, Jesus made that perfect sacrifice. But not only is Jesus the eternal sacrifice, He is also the High Priest. Never again would someone have to represent God on behalf of the people. Never again would access to God be granted through a priestly system. Jesus Himself is the ultimate High Priest.
The result of Jesus’ eternal sacrifice is that we have direct access to God. The veil was torn from top to bottom, not from the bottom to the top. It is God Himself who tore that veil and it is God Himself who provided us direct access to Himself.
Jesus died a real death and through that death the perfect sacrifice was made. I pray today you will enter into His presence and you will approach His throne boldly. And I pray today you will enjoy the sweet fellowship of walking and talking with the Father.
Praise God today for we have eternal access to God!!!