At The Cross: God's Throne Available To All

Old Testament (OT) (God speaking) “…on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai…Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it.  Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.’” Ex. 19:11-12.

New Testament (NT) “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”  James 4:8.

OT: “When the people saw the thunder and lighting and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.  They stayed at a distance…” Ex. 20:18.

NT: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…”  Heb. 4:16.

OT: “Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary must be put to death.”  Num. 3:10.

NT: “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”  Eph. 2:18.

OT: “Moses alone is to approach the LORD; the others must not come near…”  Ex. 24:2.

NT: “In him (Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Eph. 3:2.

OT: “Anyone else who goes near it (the tabernacle) shall be put to death.”  Num. 1:51.

Would you agree that The Old and New Testaments contrast in what they teach about approaching God?  The OT warned people to stay at a distance or they would die.  The NT encourages us to draw near with confidence.  Why the contrast?  Why such a change in God’s approachability? 

The cross is why.  “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…”  Heb. 10:19-22.

Here’s a quick history lesson.  In the OT God commanded the Israelites to build a tabernacle (A.K.A. Tent of Meeting).  There were many, many specifics about this Tabernacle.  One of the specifics was a curtain dividing the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God would dwell.  The only person allowed behind the curtain was the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement.  Everyone else was separated from God’s presence by the curtain. 

But the cross changed that.  “[Jesus] gave up his spirit.  At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”  (Matt. 27:51).   When Jesus died, the curtain separating people from God’s presence ripped from top to bottom.  God opened His presence to all people, any time of year or any moment of the day. 

Being in God’s presence fills our lives with…

Peace—“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Col. 3:15).

Joy—“Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and joy in his dwelling place.”  (I Chr. 16:27).

Love—“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”  (I Th. 3:5).

Forgiveness—“But with you (Lord) there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.”  (Ps. 130:4).

Mercy—“But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” (Eph. 2:4-5).

Rest—“Come to me, all you who are wary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  (Matt. 11:28).

Because of the cross the curtain separating us from Him is gone.  We can come to God anytime, anywhere because of what Jesus did on the cross.  When was the last time you took God up on His offer?