Jesus, Our High Priest
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Bible KJV www.biblegateway.com
Everything changed the moment Jesus became our high priest!
People worshipped God, during the old testament time, in a tent or a tabernacle. It had a special room called the Holy Place. Inside of the Holy Place was another room: called the Holy of Holies. People however, also referred to it as the Most Holy Place or Holiest. God allowed the high priest to enter the room only on the Day of Atonement.
“God’s dwelling place” among the people was in the Holiest Room
A very heavy, thick veil (curtain) separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. It was there to keep the sinful man away from the presence of God.
No one could inadvertently walk into the Holiest, claiming it as an accident, based on the way the curtain was set up. Anyone who entered into the room (except the priest on his one day per year) would die. If the priest did something not pleasing to God, he would die. Any person who even looked inside would die.
The High Priest enters the Holiest Room
The high priest had many rules and laws to follow before entering the room of God. The priest began by washing had to take place before he could enter the room of God. And, he had to be meticulous with putting on the special clothes he wore. He needed incense that would fill the room with a scent pleasing to God. The incense had to be the exact amount that would create a thick cloud of smoke. It was covering his eyes from a direct view of God. There were many tasks that had to be followed in a meticulous manner before entering the Holiest.
Following the required preparations, the priest, would enter through the curtain into the Holiest room. He would be trembling with fear, knowing that even the smallest mistake could mean death for him.
The High Priest took the sacrificial blood of an animal in with him. As long as the blood stayed warm and flowing, it could atone for his sins and those of the people. As the blood became cold, the vitality of it, depleted. After that, it became unusable and, had no further purpose.
During the Old Testament Times
I’m assuming that many people of Israel, didn’t have any kind of relationship with Lord God. I wonder how much they thought about what the priest was actually doing for them? Even today, do most people know and understand the sacrifice Jesus made for us?
When Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified, everything changed. He willingly shed his blood, to purify us of our sins. Jesus became our ultimate offering and, sacrificed on our behalf. He gave his life in place of ours! No longer will God accept sacrificial animal offerings to atone for our sins.
God, at the exact moment of Jesus’ death, ripped the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holiest. He tore the veil from the top to the bottom. The ripping of the veil represented Jesus’ broken body. People could now be in God’s presence, through Jesus. Jesus’ blood can never grow cold nor will it ever become useless. It will continuously be warm, and full of life and vitality. Always be more than enough to cover all of our sins.
God sent his son Jesus, to become our Sacrificial Lamb and High Priest
- The people who accept salvation through Jesus Christ have their sins covered and forgiven.
- His resurrection from death, consecrated (declared set apart and made sacred) Him for us.
- A person seeking God, must have faith in Jesus to remove the veil that separates the righteous from unrighteous.
- God’s plan of redemption is fulfilled through the sacrificial Lamb of Christ Jesus.
We now have the opportunity, privilege and, right, to go before God’s presence, using Jesus, as our High Priest and intercessor,. And we can now go before God with great boldness and in faith.
MY PRAYER FOR HEBREWS 10:19-22
Father God, Yahweh Jireh – The Lord will provide
Thank you Lord for sending your Son Jesus, as the Sacrificial Lamb. I may have a personal relationship with you.
By the name of Jesus, everyone now has the opportunity to receive the gift of forgiveness, grace and salvation. Father, you have made it very easy to be saved to an eternal life!
We must believe in the name of Jesus (and everything he has done for us). First, it’s important to ask for forgiveness; from our hearts. Then, we must have a personal relationship with Jesus. By staying close, allowing him to work in and guide us, we will receive forgiveness and life eternal.
Who do we confess to now?
We no longer have to confess our sins to an earthly priest. No longer do we need to receive penance. As a believer, my High Priest Jesus, will speak to you on my behalf. With my heart. heavy with sin, I ask for forgiveness. I am blessed with your forgiveness, grace and love because Jesus’ blood will cover all my sin. Through Jesus, I have the assurance that I will be washed clean of all my sin
Father I pray that the many; who don’t know you yet, hear your call or feel the touch of you tugging at their hearts. Lord, I pray they are able to see you clearly and will turn to you with a repented heart. As people turn to you, they will see that the blinders which covered their eyes have been ripped down. Then, they will receive the free gift of salvation!
You are such a merciful God! Thank you for sending your Son to earth for my salvation !
In the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen
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