DRAWING NEAR To "ENTER" means to gain entrance into a place where we are welcome. Our entrance is also attended by an acute awareness of our acceptance in the Beloved (Eph 1:6). No one will approach the Lord with any degree of confidence that is not assured of the effectiveness of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. -- Tomorrow:
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb 10:19-22)
Devotion 3 of 16
" . . . boldness to ENTER into the holiest . . . "
This is not an area for theological speculation! We are being urged by the Spirit of God to come into God's presence, not speculate as to whether or not it is possible. He is not directing us to develop a position on the accessibility of the Living God, but to avail ourselves of the benefits of the New Covenant.
Our entrance will find us insightfully aware of the Lord, like Isaiah was when He saw Him "high and lifted up" (Isa 6:1-3). The world and its allurements will recede into the background, and the strength of lust and pride will wither. Grace will be perceived as abundant and accessible, and the vileness of our bodies will be ascertained with clarity. The purpose of God will supplant a self-will, pleasing the Lord will push sinful pleasure into the background, and fulfillment will be found in Christ alone. All of that is, to some degree, is found in ENTERING THE HOLIEST.
This is not a summons to enter a prestigious place upon the earth, but the "Holiest" – the very presence of God Himself. The language is taken from "the pattern of the tabernacle" (Heb 8:5). This was a physical depiction of the actual approach to God.
The approach to God involves a sacrifice, which was prefigured by the altar of burnt offerings (Ex 27:1-4). It also involved cleansing, or washing, which was foreshadowed by the laver of washing (Ex 30:18). Both the altar and the laver were in the "outer court" of the tabernacle (Ex 30:18). They were the appointed means of coming close to God.
Approaching God also involves service – being employed in the fulfillment of His good will. This was prefigured by first section of the tabernacle itself, which was the "holy place" (Ex 28:43). This is where the service of God was carried out. Coming to God involves walking in the light, which was foreshadowed by the golden candlestick (Ex 26:35). When coming to the Lord, there is also the matter of spiritual sustenance. This was typified by the table of showbread that was also in the holy place (Ex 25:23-30). This sacred approach is also to be conducted in a pleasing surrounding, where the Lord is well pleased. This was prefigured by the altar of incense, from which a pleasing fragrance filled both the holy place and the most holy place (Ex 40:26-27).
The second portion of the tabernacle itself was the Most Holy place, referred to in our text as "the Holiest." It was separated from the holy place by a thick veil (Ex 26:33). Once a year the high priest passed through this veil with blood, making an atonement for the people. Within "the Holiest" was the ark of the covenant which was covered by a mercy seat made of single piece of beaten gold (Ex 26:33). The Lord revealed Himself to the high priest from over this mercy seat (Lev 16:2).
Under the Old Covenant, "the Holiest" was entered by one man, once a year. If not entered correctly, the high priest would die (Lev 16:2,13). The people themselves never entered "the Holiest." They never realized the Divine communication that took place there, and never saw the articles that were located there.
You will remember that when Jesus died, the thick veil separating the holy place from "the Holiest" was torn in two from the top to the bottom (Matt 27:51). This signified that the death of Christ opened up the way to God so that those in Christ Jesus could come regularly into the very presence of the Lord. Our text is speaking with this reality in mind.
Spiritual freedom is experienced in the Holiest place – freedom to draw near to God, appropriate covenantal blessings, and be loosed from the tyranny of sin. Here effective prayers, intercessions, and supplications are offered. The joy of the Lord is appropriated in His presence, and never at a distance (Psa 16:11).
Here is where the "peace of God" rules our "hearts and minds" (Phil 4:6-7). As we come courageously and confidently into the Holiest Place, we are "filled with all joy and peace in believing," and we begin to "abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13). The things in "heavenly places" that we are admonished to "seek," are found in the Holiest (Col 3:1-3). All "spiritual blessings in heavenly places" are dispensed in the Holiest place – the presence of the Almighty.
The admonition to "ENTER," is not an empty word. It is not a suggestion, or an option for those desiring to be super-spiritual. This is the ordained means of obtaining the effectiveness of Christ's sacrifice and the blessings of the New Covenant! However, it takes spiritual energy and commitment to enter the Holiest – and that is the point of our text. Satan is resisting us as surely as he sought to resist Joshua the high priest of old (Zech 3:1). Our own flesh, or Adamic nature, works at keeping us out of the Holiest Place. The world throws obstacles before our path, and delusions before our eyes, in its attempt to keep us from the place of blessing. Principalities and powers align themselves against us to obscure the way into the Holiest. Without commitment and spiritual aggressiveness, there is no hope of entering into the Presence of the Lord.
Boldness to enter can only be appropriated by grace through faith, which is the Kingdom standard for receiving from God (Eph 2:8). Grace is never granted to the complacent, unfaithful, or fearful and unbelieving – NEVER! Grace is ALWAYS granted within the context of the activity of faith.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank and praise You for the privilege of coming into Your presence regularly, and without fear.