Tolu Ogunrinde - April 4th, 2026 - From Top to Bottom (Easter Sunday)

Matthew 27 v 50-51

Exo 26 v 30-33

Holy Place Vs Most Holy Place – (Exo 30 v 1-10; 29 v 1-9; 27 v 20-21; Lev. 16) \

Tabernacle

A portable tent-like sanctuary

Instructions/Pattern given to Moses (Exo 25:9)

Built during Israel’s wilderness journey

Showed that God was travelling with His people

Could be assembled and dismantled as the people moved (Num 4)

Temple

A permanent development of the Tabernacle pattern

Built after Israel settled in the land

Constructed under King Solomon in Jerusalem

A fixed structure; not meant to be moved

The curtain symbolized the separation between a Holy God (Lev 19:1-2) and Sinful man (Rom 3:23; 5:19)

Restricted Access – Only the High Priest could pass beyond that curtain, and only once a year on the day of atonement (Lev 16 v 29-30). In Lev. 16 v 1-2 – God told Moses to warn his brother. In Num 18v7 – God told Aaron that any unauthorized person that comes near will die

When all is considered, it reveals a relationship shaped by fear and distance from God. Man stood outside, looking in, aware of God’s presence, yet unable to draw near.

And what does this remind us?

Access to God required mediation

Forgiveness required sacrifice

Worship involved reverence and order

Rom 5 v 6:

2 Cor. 5v21:

Phil. 2 v 5-8:

John 1 v 29 :

Heb 9 v 11-12 :

Direct access to God – Hebrews 10

Rom 5 v 10-11:

Hebrews 4 v 14-16:

Romans 3 v21-30

Highlights

There is no longer a need for an earthly mediator or human intermediary. We now relate directly to God through our great High Priest - Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

There is no longer a need for repeated sacrifices. The blood of Jesus is sufficient- once and for all time.

There is no longer a need for a physical temple. Access to God is now spiritual and personal.

Salvation is a gift available to all. No one can earn it; it is given by grace.

When it comes to salvation and the forgiveness of sins, God no longer requires human effort or offerings. What He wants now is our unwavering believe in the finished work of His only Son - Jesus Christ.

Everything that was once required by law has now been fulfilled through the death of his only Son.

Prayer

Lord, help me to understand and appreciate all You have done for me.