A New and Living Way to a New Relationship
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A New and Living Way
Life is full of symbolism, but we take most of it for granted. A clock or watch tracks time, yet time is an abstract concept marked on Earth by the rising and setting of the sun. We have road signs displaying symbols that communicate directions. Today, people use emoticons in place of words when texting one another.
The Bible also contains much symbolic and figurative wording. This requires some thought and reflection to understand what they represent and mean. Understanding them brings insight into the truth they represent.
The book of Hebrews is a guide for understanding the Old Testament (covenant) in light of the new relationship with God that believers experience through trusting in the Lord Jesus (the New Covenant).
When Jesus exhaled His last breath on the cross, and the curtain in front of the Most Holy Place in the temple tore apart from top to bottom, it was a declaration of a new and living way opened up for all who trust in the Lord (Matthew 27:50-51).
It was symbolic for those who understood its significance, but sadly, the Jewish leaders who should have understood it as so refused to do so. They rejected this opening of a new relationship with God when they rejected Jesus as their Messiah.
Scripture Text
Brothers and sisters, because of the blood of Jesus we can now confidently go into the holy place. Jesus has opened a new and living way for us to go through the curtain. (The curtain is his own body.) [vss 19-20]
We have a superior priest in charge of God’s house. We have been sprinkled with his blood to free us from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with clean water. So we must continue to come to him with a sincere heart and strong faith. [vss 21-22] (Hebrews 10:19-22 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 10]
Key Phrase —
Jesus has opened a new and living way for us.
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What are Christian believers now free to do and in what way?
Why are believers able to enter this holy place of God's presence?
What are the symbolic things Jesus does for believers that make this possible?
What is the final exhortation given here? In what way are we to come to the Lord?
Things to Consider—
The curtain between the Holy Place of the temple and the Most Holy Place showed that the way into God’s presence was not open to everyone. Only one person, the high priest, could enter the Most Holy Place on one specific day, the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:30-34).
The Christian faith is not a set of religious dogmas or mere beliefs. It is an ongoing personal relationship with God the Father through trust in His Son Jesus. His atoning death on the cross makes this relationship available for all humanity. All those who would trust in Him.
The way into God's presence is open now, but is only accessible for those “with a sincere heart and strong faith,” an honest, open, and trusting heart (Hebrews 10:22). Jesus’ shed blood cleanses our conscience, and the pure water of God's truth washes and renews our mind (Ephesians 5:26; Romans 12:2).
Jesus opened the way to God, and He leads us through that way as both our Savior and High Priest. He continues to intercede for us (prays on our behalf). Jesus opened a new and living way of life, one that we are to continue in daily by faith, throughout the day.
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
Do you understand the symbolism of the curtain and the holy place of the temple?
Can you picture in your mind the torn curtain and the way opened to God?
How does all of this encourage you personally?
Have you experienced the freedom of God's forgiveness and acceptance?
Are you making time each day to enter into God's presence?
Do you have this confidence deep in your heart?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
