The Most Holy Place

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Hebrews 9:22 ESV)

I love to study the construction of the tabernacle in the Old Testament. I can imagine its beautiful cloth woven from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, the shiny bronze lampstands and altars, and the swish of the holy garments that Aaron and his sons wore as they walked through the inner courts into the Most Holy Place. 

God specifically instructed this tabernacle to be constructed and managed in a very detailed manner. Every cubit had a meaning and a special purpose. When it was finished, Moses anointed every piece with holy oil (Exodus 40:9-15). The new tabernacle would be surrounded with worshippers. As a former worship leader, I can feel the excitement of the music and dancing as the priests drew near to the tabernacle. I sometimes wish I could have been there to experience it firsthand and see the glory of the Lord cover it for the very first time. 

For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (Exodus 40:38) 

What an amazing way for God to lead His people! But in reality, the beautiful curtains divided the places reserved for the priests and separated the Most Holy Place from the common man and woman. Even the priests could only enter after a sacrifice had been made that covered their beautiful garments—and all the shiny bronze altars—with blood. 

It’s not a pretty picture, is it? In fact, the very thought of blood leaves me squeamish. Every time a nurse draws blood—whether mine or someone else’s—I have to turn my head and close my eyes until they remove the vials. 

Access to God’s presence wasn’t taken lightly in the Old Testament. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God only allowed Moses to see His back when He passed by. “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). The only way to access God was through blood sacrifice that would cover sin. 

Almost 1,500 years later, Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled that. A great earthquake shook the Temple and the curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the outer courts was ripped in two (Matthew 27:51). 

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). 

In that one act, Jesus paved the way for us—you and I—to enter that Most Holy Place—the place where we can meet face to face with God. "We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19).

Jesus’ blood is all the sacrifice we will ever need to cover our sins. Heavy curtains will never again separate us from the presence of God. As much as I longed to experience the tabernacle in Moses’ day, what we have today is so much greater. We can enter that Holy Place any time we want and spend time with our Father. That’s the most beautiful picture I can imagine. 

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.