Beholding The Glory

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19-21)

When Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn (Mt. 27:50-51a). What was the significance of this? Until that moment, the curtain in the temple separated the Holy of Holies, the earthy dwelling place of God’s presence, from the rest of the temple where humanity was allowed to enter. The high priest was the only one who could pass this curtain into the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year to enter God’s presence and make atonement for the sins of Israel.

 But now our access to God has changed because of Jesus. The curtain has been torn down and we are free to boldly enter the presence of God and behold his glory. There is no longer any barrier, any curtain between us. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and the more he reveals his glory to us, the more like Christ we become.

 God lives with us by his Spirit, and through his Spirit, he renews, restores and washes us clean. Let us enter in boldly before him and see his glory. Let us not be ashamed of the glorious change he works in us. May the Lord show us his glory and transform us more and more into his image every day.