Through the Veil into His Arms

“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” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Several years ago, my father was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that changed the course of his life. My family and I watched in agony as his health faded away and his future evaporated. He was just days away from dying when a donated organ provided a way for him to live. Dad received the gift of life as a transplant recipient.

Tragically, in order for my dad to live, someone else had to die. While our family rejoiced at this priceless provision, another family mourned the passing of one they loved. It was a bittersweet exchange … an amazing gift ... wonderful and horrible at the very same time.

There is no greater gift than life. With Easter just around the corner, we will once again consider the brokenness that Jesus endured so that we could receive the beautiful gift of eternal life. So that we can know and experience forgiveness, grace, mercy and the presence of God. The Bible sums it up this way, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

God in His sinless perfection is so holy and separated from us that in the Old Testament, only the high priests could enter the Holy of Holies (the Most Holy place where God dwelt) in the temple, and when they did, it was with great trepidation. But some 2,000 years ago, Jesus, who lived a perfect life, went to the cross and took on death to mend that separation. Through Him, Scripture tells us that a new and living way was created for us to be reconciled to the holy heart of God.

As Jesus drew His final breath, across the city of Jerusalem – in the temple – the veil that physically separated the Holy of Holies from the Most Holy Place was torn from top to bottom … from God to man. Because Jesus laid down His perfect life for our imperfect lives and then rose from the dead three days later, the barrier between God and man was eliminated. Because of Christ, we can go to God personally, not through a priest in the temple, but through prayer ... with confidence of His love for us.

How does this affect you? How does this pivotal moment in history, this “veil renting” influence the way you live? Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Have you taken this to heart? Have you asked God to forgive your sins and wipe away the mistakes of your past? The gift of life, through Jesus Christ, is free. Turn to Him now. God is waiting with open arms.  Roman’s 10:9 tells us, “That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” No sin is beyond the scope of God’s grace!

If you are ready to turn to Him now, call out to the Lord. Pray from your heart: “Dear God, I know that I need do some serious business with You. Would you please forgive me? I believe in Your son, Jesus – that He lived, died, and rose again – all because of Your love for the world. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, or perhaps re-dedicated your heart to God today, would you please email and let us know? We would love to pray for you.

Let me say this straight: grace deserves a response. Let’s go to Him now with worship on our lips … grateful that we are welcome to enter the presence of God. As we do, our hearts are continually renewed, rejuvenated and refreshed.

While studying the book of Hebrews, the Lord inspired me to write this song. Please read the lyric then click the link below to worship along with me:

Through The Veil

by Gwen Smith

(Hebrews 10:19-23)

Through the veil there’s a new and living way

Through the curtain, welcome to the Holy Place

Though we once were separated, we are now invited in

Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him

Through the veil, through the blood, enter in

 

The Holy Place is open, come and worship

The Lamb for Sinner’s slain is King of all

We praise and glorify the Lord before His mighty throne

Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him

Through the veil, through the blood, enter in

Through the Veil by Gwen Smith from gwensmithmusic on GodTube.com.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, You are amazing! Thank you for offering forgiveness and mercy through the great exchange of Jesus. It is a miracle that I can come to You with a heart that is pure. Your love is extravagant.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

• Is there an area of your life that needs "transplanted"?

• Do you really believe that God can forgive anything you have done? Why or why not?

• Write a response to God. Thank Him for his love and mercy, and then read it to Him as an act of worship!

Gwen Smith’s song “Through The Veil” is featured on her Unsearchable Live CD. Download Unsearchable from iTunes or order the CD from the store on her website.

Publication date: March 23, 2012