Do you remember how the curtain in the Temple was torn when Jesus died? That curtain separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. That is important to know because the Holy of Holies was where God’s presence resided in the Temple (Ex 25:22) and only the high priest was allowed to go into it, not the common man. The high priest was only allowed in it after a purification process (Heb 9:7; Lev 16:2) before he could enter God’s presence.
50 Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom … (Mt 27:50-51)
Notice how the curtain was torn from top to bottom. This indicates that it was God who ripped open the curtain and tells us an important fact … God has made Himself available to people through the sacrifice of Jesus.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, you now have unlimited access to the Father:
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2. See also Eph 2:18)
12 In Him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Eph 3:12)
That access was granted by the crucifixion of Christ and you believing in Him as your Savior:
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh) … (Heb 10:19-20. See also Rom 5:10-11; Jn 14:6)
Unlimited access to the Father is a big deal. Do not take it for granted. Here are some things to know about God so you can appreciate being able to approach Him.
- He is a great King (Mal 1:14)
- Only those He invites can approach Him (Jer 30:21; Ex 24:1-2, 9-12; Num 16:5)
- Unauthorized people who approached Him in the Old Testament were put to death (Num 1:51, 3:10; Ex 19:9-13)
- People who treat Him irreverently were sometimes put to death or made sick (2 Sam 6:3-7; Lev 10:1-2; 1 Cor 11:27-34)
He is glorious and appearing before Him is a great honor:
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth. 4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts. (Isa 6:1-5)
Take time out now to think about how blessed you are to have access to the Father because of what Jesus has done for you.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)
Think about it
Do you think having access to God means that you can pray to Him or is it more?
How do you think you have access to God? Do you think it ties to your salvation?
It is very possible that only believers will ever see God the Father. Jesus said that no one comes to the Father except through Him (Jn 14:6). That means unbelievers will not be able to go to the Father. Jesus also said that nobody knows the Father except those that He chooses to reveal Him (Mt 11:27). John 1:18makes it clear that nobody has seen God. Matthew 5:8 says that only the pure in heart will see God. Revelation 22:3-4 says that in Heaven, God’s servants will see His face.
Grasp the great honor you have in that you have access to God the Father now in prayer and will see Him face-to-face in Heaven later. Most people in the world do not have that honor.
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 