Direct Access; Hebrews 9-11

May the mumbling commence!

The curtain has been removed from the Holy of Holies.  Through Christ, we have direct access to the Lord.  As the gospels of Matthew (27:51) and Mark (15:38) tell us, when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Thank God for the work of Christ Jesus!  Read from Hebrews chapter ten:

So by virtue of the blood of Jesus, you and I, my brothers, may now have courage to enter the holy of holies by way of the one who died and is yet alive, who has made for us a holy means of entry by himself passing through the curtain, that is, his own human nature.

Further, since we have a great High Priest set over the household of God, let us draw near with true hearts and fullest confidence, knowing that our inmost souls have been purified by the sprinkling of his blood just as our bodies are cleansed by the washing of clean water.

In this confidence let us hold on to the hope that we profess without the slightest hesitation – for he is utterly dependable – and let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds. And let us not hold aloof from our church meetings, as some do. Let us do all we can to help one another's faith, and this the more earnestly as we see the final day drawing ever nearer. (Verses 19-25)

Let us enter the presence of God knowing that we have been purified inside and out by the blood of Christ.  Be confident together – with a confidence not based upon our own righteousness but upon the righteousness of Christ.  And acknowledge the reverent fear of a most holy and powerful Lord.

Hold onto Christ, who is utterly dependable.  Encourage one another with this truth.  Encourage one another to love everyone and to do good deeds.  And know that encouragement is amplified by the Holy Spirit through our church meetings.  This amplification is needed more and more each day as the final day (Christ’s return) draws nearer.

It was important in the days that this letter was written so long ago – imagine how much more important it is today!

Celebrate the work of Jesus.  Join hands together with other Christians and draw near to God.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out