In John’s Gospel we read Jesus’ last words, “it is finished.” (John 19:30) Matthew 27:51 tells us that at the moment Jesus died, the curtain in front of the Holy of Holies in the heart of the Temple – a massive 60-foot curtain, possibly 4 inches thick – signifying the separation between the people and the very presence of God, was torn in two from top to bottom.
Recall that under the old covenant only one man once a year could go behind this veil – this curtain – to meet with God's manifest presence. There he would offer blood to atone for the sins of the people, only to leave for another year. But this same curtain was ripped apart by the very hand of God when His Son made atonement for sins for all time. Thus, Christ’s atonement has now secured two profound realities for us as God’s people: permanent access to God for the believer and the permanent indwelling presence of God within the believer.
1) Permanent access to God for the believer:
Carefully Read Hebrews 10:19-22 and Hebrews 4:14-16.
From these two passages, what do you think our heart posture should be as we approach God’s holy presence through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins?
Why do you think God commands faith and confidence as we approach Him? What might such confidence – or the lack of – say about Jesus and the sufficiency of His sacrifice?
2) The indwelling presence of God within the believer:
Carefully read John 14:19-20; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19.
How does it make you feel to know that God has chosen you to be the temple of His very Holy Spirit? Do you ever struggle to believe this – if so why or why not?
Read Galatians 5:16-25
Consider the implication of being the Temple of the Holy Spirit in these passages. First, could God bestow any greater honor on His people? Second, recognize that God’s Holy Spirit lives in you so He might express the life of Christ through you. Through godly desire and power now implanted within you, His Spirit makes war on sin in your heart and is able to overcome sin in and through you. Do you see and believe this? Ask God to help you if you do not.
Spend some time thanking God for the incredibly awesome privilege and honor of both 1) the access we have to Him and 2) His very presence inside us.
Use these truths during prayer to go to Him with boldness, confident in His grace and mercy for every need, and trusting in His presence within you to give you the strength to follow Him.