We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. – Hebrews 6:19
Ripping is usually an unpleasant sound, like when a toddler rips a page out of your favorite book, or when you bend over and hear the ripping of an unreliable seam. But imagine the awesome sound when one very large curtain was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51). The temple curtain is described in 2 Chronicles 3:14, made after God’s very specific and elaborate instructions for the tabernacle curtain which can be read in Exodus 26. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, only the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies behind the curtain.
The moment Jesus died, this curtain was torn in two by God’s own hand, providing free access to the very throne of God to find grace and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
The Father made it clear. By the death of His Son, everyone who believes can enter into His presence. You can come before God without a priest or a sacrificial lamb. Jesus was both the Priest and the sacrificial Lamb, once and for all. There’s another sound of ripping that the Lord is eager to hear: the tearing away of unbelief when sinners reach up to Him in faith.
Think about the great privilege believers have—to go before God bringing all their needs and cares! Do not neglect the wonderful gift God has given you. Make it a priority to spend time in God’s presence, bringing your needs and those of the country before Him. Intercede particularly for the spiritual condition of the United States. Pray for its citizens, especially school children who may never have heard the gospel.
Today’s Verse: Hebrews 6:19
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
