It may not be possible for us to fully understand the depths of our sin, but even a surface level comprehension should bring us to our knees. God, of course, sees our sin for what it is and knows that it requires a rescue plan that is beyond our comprehension or capability. And God’s Word says that it was “fitting” that God would come up with a particular plan to exonerate us, and the plan would be preposterous. He Himself would stand in our place. And God called this “fitting." It is necessary that something/someone as amazingly perfect should be what satisfies the justice of God, because sin is itself amazingly treacherous. And because Jesus has become a human and endured all that we have, He has become a perfect, sympathetic, and faithful High Priest who ministers to us and for us.
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.
