| “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” |
| —Ephesians 2:17-18 |
It’s not much of a perk, but I have security access at the hospital where I volunteer. Yes, my badge will get me into wings of the building where visitors cannot go. Similarly, those who have business in highly secured government buildings must go through lengthy security clearances, so that they can have access where they need it. They must show a badge or other certified proof of their right to enter.
When Jesus died on the cross and cried in a loud voice His final words, Matthew 27:51 records:
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
But what did that have to do with His death? D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains:1
The temple at Jerusalem was divided into different places or courts. The most important place was the “holiest of all,” the innermost sanctuary, where the presence of God was revealed in the Shekinah glory over the mercy seat. And into that “holiest of all,” into the very presence of God, only one man was allowed to go. That was the high priest, and he only went in once a year.
Then there were the courts. The outermost court of all was called the “Court of the Gentiles.” They were the furthest away from God! They were not even allowed into the “Court of the People,” the Court of the Jews. The ordinary Jews were not allowed to go where the high priest went… They who were furthest away have been brought in, have been made nigh, in a most amazing manner… This is the position of all who are Christian.
What does this mean for us who have been born anew into God’s Kingdom? We now, by the gift of God’s grace, have an “access code” to the Father without any human intermediary. Jesus Himself became the eternal intermediary, in His role as our very own High Priest.
Hebrews 10:19-22 gives us this good news:
Therefore, brothers, 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, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.
Jesus, by way of the cross, changed His throne of judgment into a throne of grace. We may, at any time, along with any Jews or Gentiles who claim Christ’s clearance, go to the Father directly in prayer. We no longer are treated as strangers, but as sons and daughters. We have access into the Holy of Holies, and have fellowship with God. What a wonderful Easter gift!
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| 1 Lloyd-Jones, D.Martyn. God’s Way of Reconciliation. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1972. p. 182. |
