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.