In
the ancient temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, there was a curtain,
embroidered with angels, which separated the Holy Place from the Most
Holy Place. The Most Holy Place became the dwelling place of God
among his people. Only the high priest could go behind the curtain
and enter into that place. There he could offer atonement for the
sins of the people, once a year.
This
taught the people that God is holy and that sinful people cannot
stand in God’s presence. The curtain of the temple symbolized the
separation between the holy God and sinful people. And if anyone
violated this practice, they would die.
When
Jesus died to atone for our sin, however, he cried out, “It is
finished” (John 19:30)—and the curtain separating the people from
God was torn in two. Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished
everything necessary for our salvation. He became the ultimate High
Priest for us, and his finished work reconciled us with God. Because
of Jesus, the Spirit of God now comes to live in our hearts, making
us his temple.
So
we who were once “without hope and without God in the world . . .
who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ”
(Ephesians 2:12-13). We have new life and the power of Christ by the
Holy Spirit to live for God each day.