Access to God

A Personal Encounter

Under the old covenant, human access to God was limited. Only the high priest once a year could enter the Most Holy Place to meet directly with the Lord.

New Covenant believers, however, regarded the tearing of the veil, the thick curtain that separated the holy place from the Most Holy Place, at the time of the Crucifixion as a sign that all could freely come to God through Christ Jesus (Matt. 27:51–54; Eph. 2:13).

PRIOR to the death of Jesus on the Cross . . .

* Only priests (of the Levite tribe) could offer gifts and sacrifices;

* Only Hebrews could be called the sons and daughters of the Lord;

* Only those who kept the Day of Atonement were considered in right relationship with God;

* Only those who fully knew and followed the Law could be called righteous.

AFTER the death of Jesus on the Cross . . .

* Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:12–13);

* A person can be called a child of God regardless of race, sex, or social status (Gal. 3:26–29; 4:1–7; Col. 3:9–11);

* Whoever believes in Christ shall be counted as righteous (1 John 2:29) and shall inherit everlasting life (John 3:16);

* All who believe can make the ultimate sacrifice to God, which is to do His will with all of your heart, mind, and soul (Rom. 12:1; Heb. 10:7).

Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible