We Can Enter God’s Presence Because of Jesus

Something powerful happened at the moment Jesus died on the cross for us. It was no simple symbolic event. It carried with it immense meaning for us, for all who believe in Jesus. We read in Matthew 27:50-51:

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom

The curtain in the Temple separated the Holy of Holies where the High Priest would offer sacrifices from the rest of the inner temple. Only the selected priest could enter the Holy of Holies which represented the presence of God. It was so holy in fact that a rope was tied around the ankle of the priest who entered the Holy of Holies in case the priest died due to sin or error. That way the body could be pulled out without entering.

The curtain being torn from top to bottom showed that the way to enter the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God, was now open for all who believe in Jesus.

In Hebrews 10 we read:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,

We can enter the Most Holy Place, the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God because of the blood of Jesus. Jesus himself is the curtain. He is the new and living way to enter God’s presence.

We also read in Hebrews 10:

let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

We can come to God not based on our own efforts. We enter because of Jesus. None of us are worthy on our own to enter the presence of God in prayer. But the wonderful news is that because Jesus died on the cross the way to the presence of God has been opened for us.

When we pray, we enter because of Jesus. If thoughts reminding us of our past hinder us, we can proclaim that we come to God because of Jesus.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.