The Old Way: Separated from God’s Presence
For thousands of years, humanity lived under a system that kept us at a distance from God. As sinners, we couldn’t simply walk into God’s presence. The process was complex, costly, and required a mediator.
Here’s how it worked: You and I would bring our offerings—usually a lamb or something that cost us dearly—to the high priest. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sacrifice these offerings on the altar in exchange for our sins.
We couldn’t do this for ourselves. We weren’t holy enough to enter God’s presence. A thick curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, symbolizing the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. We were divided, separated, and dependent on a human mediator to approach God on our behalf.
This system reminded us constantly of our sin and our separation from God. Year after year, sacrifice after sacrifice, the barrier remained.
The New Way: Jesus Tears Down the Barrier
But when Jesus died on the cross, everything changed. He didn’t just modify the old system—He completely transformed it. As the Gospel accounts tell us, at the moment of Jesus’ death, that massive temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51).
God Himself ripped down the barrier.
Hebrews 10:19-22 beautifully explains what this means for us today: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
What This Means for You Today
1. You Have Direct Access to God
You no longer need a human priest to mediate between you and God. Through Jesus Christ, you can approach God’s throne of grace directly, confidently, and at any time (Hebrews 4:16).
2. You Don’t Have to Clean Up First
Notice the passage says we come with “hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.” You don’t have to get your life together before approaching God. Jesus’ blood has already cleansed you. Come as you are.
3. You Can Approach with Confidence
The old system was filled with fear and uncertainty. But now we approach “with full assurance that faith brings.” We’re not hoping God will accept us—we know He does because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
4. The Sacrifice Is Complete
Unlike the old system that required repeated sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). The debt is paid. The work is finished. The barrier is removed.
Living in Light of the Torn Curtain
Understanding what Jesus did at the cross should transform how we live:
- Prayer becomes personal conversation rather than formal ritual
- Worship flows from relationship rather than religious obligation
- Guilt is replaced with gratitude as we realize the price Jesus paid
- We approach God boldly knowing we’re welcomed as beloved children
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe this truth should change everything about how we relate to God. We don’t have to live at a distance anymore. We don’t have to wonder if God hears us or accepts us.
The curtain is torn. The door is open. God is accessible.
Your Response Matters
The cross demands a response. Will you accept this incredible gift of access to God through Jesus Christ? Will you stop living like the barrier is still up and embrace the intimate relationship God offers?
Jesus didn’t just die to forgive your sins—He died to bring you close to the Father. Don’t waste another day living at a distance from the God who tore down every barrier to be with you.
The curtain is torn. Come close.
