The Old Testament provided a specific way to approach a holy God, a system of rituals and regulations that were a gracious provision for a sinful people. But these were always temporary, a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment—the high priest, the sacrifice, and the temple all in one. The tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion symbolized the complete removal of the barrier between us and God. He has not only removed the guilt of our past, but has cleansed our conscience, freeing us from shame and a life lived in the past. Because of His work, we are a new creation. The old has passed away, and we are now the very righteousness of God, in Christ. Live in the reality of this new identity and approach your holy God with boldness.
The Old Testament provided a specific way to approach a holy God, a system of rituals and regulations that were a gracious provision for a sinful people. But these were always temporary, a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment—the high priest, the sacrifice, and the temple all in one. The tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion symbolized the complete removal of the barrier between us and God. He has not only removed the guilt of our past, but has cleansed our conscience, freeing us from shame and a life lived in the past. Because of His work, we are a new creation. The old has passed away, and we are now the very righteousness of God, in Christ. Live in the reality of this new identity and approach your holy God with boldness.
