Access to God

The curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. —Matthew 27:51

The temple curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. It served as a barrier between sinful people and a holy God. No one was allowed to enter except the high priest, who once a year would offer up the blood of an innocent animal on behalf of the people’s sins.

The curtain meant, “Stay Out! No admittance.” Why? Because God is holy, and the people were sinful. They had to be separated.

The tearing of the curtain signified the end of the old covenant and the inauguration of the new. The sacrificial system was no longer necessary because there was no more separation between God and man. Christ had offered Himself as a sacrifice in the place of sinful man, and all who believed in Him could boldly approach a holy God.

Now instead of a barrier between us and God, there’s a gate and entrance—Jesus! The sign no longer says, “Stay out!” but, “Enter and draw near!” We have access to the presence of God.

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“The Incomparable Christ,” Revive Our Hearts series

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible ®. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible ® and CSB ® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.