 |  |
are necessary, cleansing is emphasized and the solemn privilege of access and entrance
into the holiest of all is set forth where the blaze of God's glory, the shekinah dwelt. We
say `solemn privilege of access' advisedly, because only one Israelite went into this most
sacred dwelling place of God, once a year. God surrounded Himself with barriers as it
were to impress on His redeemed people that access into His holy presence was a
privilege beyond estimation. The ordinary Israelite lived the whole of his life without
once entering the most holy place in the Tabernacle. Aaron only went in once a year
in his capacity as the high Priest, representing the people of Israel on the great annual
Day of Atonement and then `not without blood', for access to a thrice holy God would be
for ever impossible for sinners unless they had been redeemed and cleansed by the
precious blood of Christ. But we read in Heb. 10: 14:
"For by one Offering (Himself) He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
The most holy place of the Tabernacle was a picture of the reality in the highest
heavens:
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands (the earthly
Tabernacle), which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us" (Heb. 9: 24).
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest (the most holy place) by
the blood of Jesus . . . . . let us draw near" (Heb. 10: 19-22).
What no Israelite could do in the O.T. dispensation before the redemptive and atoning
work of Christ on the cross, we who are saved and members of the Body can experience
at all times:
"For through Him (the Lord Jesus) we both (Jewish and Gentile believers) have access
by one Spirit unto the Father."
"In Whom (the Lord Jesus) we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith
of Him" (Eph. 2: 18; 3: 12).
How highly favoured we are! May we ever value highly such a tremendous privilege
and remember that the basis of it is nothing in ourselves, but it has all been wrought out
for us by our glorious Saviour and Head. Redemption snaps the bondage and slavery of
sin. Atonement cleanses from the defilement of sin and makes us fit to enter the holiest
of all in heaven through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Way and the one Mediator, unto our
God and Father.