August 1, 2004

THE VEIL

"Having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" (Hebrews 10:19, 20, NKJV).

This new portrait of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary shifts the spotlight from the priest to the veil. In the "better sanctuary," Christ is seen in a unique series of roles.

In the earthly sanctuary, a multicolored veil, intricately woven with figures of cherubim, separated the holy place from the most holy place (see Exodus 26:31-33). Entrance into the most holy place was accessible only once a year and was restricted even then to the high priest. On the Day of Atonement, the veil became the entrance, or doorway, by which humanity could approach the divine presence. When Christ died on the cross, this veil was dramatically split wide open from the top to the bottom (see Matthew 27:51). When the veil was rent in two, "a new and living way" was open to God (Hebrews 10:20, NKJV). The veil that had been a barrier had been replaced by a veil that is an access.

There is no longer a separating veil between the penitent sinner and God. Jesus has become the veil of admission, replacing the veil of separation that existed previously. He has become the doorway, the entrance, by which to approach our heavenly Father directly with no veil between. Our Saviour is now the veil of entrance as well as the high priest. The good news is that the barrier has been removed forever, and we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). Now we can "draw near... in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22, NKJV). Be assured that, "Christ will lead you to the threshold of the Infinite. You may behold the glory beyond the veil, and reveal to men the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to make intercession for us."--Christ's Object Lessons, p. 149.

My Prayer Today: Lord, in full confidence I approach You, through Christ. Thank You Lord, for the veil of admission. Amen.