The Way into God's Presence Wasn’t Open
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Heaven—God’s Dwelling Place
What’s the most important thing to understand about heaven? It isn’t the appearance of heaven, where the streets are transparent pure gold and surrounded by a wall with twelve gates of pearl (Revelation 21:21). The primary focus isn't what it's like or what happens there, but Who is there.
Of course, the primary focus is God. Heaven isn't some destination high above our atmosphere, but a different dimension than our physical world. It's a spiritual realm where God dwells.
The beginning of Hebrews 9 describes the tent (or tabernacle) of the first covenant promise. It had two main sections, with reminders of God’s faithfulness to Israel. But only one person, the high priest, could enter the second section of the tent—the Most Holy Place.
This illustrated that the way into the presence of God was not open to everyone. It was only open to one person, once a year, who represented Israel before God. Even if a person kept all the requirements of the Law, they couldn’t enter the presence of God under the restrictions of the Old Covenant Law.
But now, the way into the very presence of God is open to those who personally trust in the Lord and trust in His grace—His favor and goodness—by faith. The Lord Jesus opened the way by His reconciling work on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead.
Scripture Text
The first promise [covenant] had rules for the priests’ service. It also had a holy place on earth. A tent was set up. The first part of this tent was called the holy place. The lamp stand, the table, and the bread of the presence were in this part of the tent.
Behind the second curtain was the part of the tent called the most holy place. It contained the gold incense burner and the ark of the Lord’s promise. The ark was completely covered with gold. In the ark were the gold jar filled with manna, Aaron’s staff that had blossomed, and the tablets on which the promise was written. Above the ark were the angels of glory with their wings overshadowing the throne of mercy. (Discussing these things in detail isn’t possible now.) [vss 1-5]
That is how these two parts of the tent were set up. The priests always went into the first part of the tent to perform their duties. But only the chief priest went into the second part of the tent. Once a year he entered and brought blood that he offered for himself and for the things that the people did wrong unintentionally. The Holy Spirit used this to show that the way into the most holy place was not open while the tent was still in use. [vss 6-8]
The first part of the tent is an example for the present time. The gifts and sacrifices that were brought there could not give the worshiper a clear conscience. These gifts and sacrifices were meant to be food, drink, and items used in various purification ceremonies. These ceremonies were required for the body until God would establish a new way of doing things. [vss 9-10]
Hebrews 9:1-10 GW[Context– Hebrews 9]
Key Phrase —
The Holy Spirit used this to show that the way into the most holy place was not open.
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What are we told about the tent used during the first promise (Old Covenant)?
How is it described and who can go into which parts? How and when are they able to enter these two places?
What do you think it means "the way into the most holy place" wasn't open?
Why was access to the "most holy place" restricted? When would it be open?
Things to Consider—
Religion is restrictive by nature. That’s intended. This restrictive nature either appeals to us or repels us. These restrictions function as a spiritual framework for our religious beliefs.
On one hand, religion gives us prescribed boundaries intended to provide freedom and protection within those boundaries. Yet, many people want freedom without restrictions as a somewhat manageable form of anarchy.
We typically place much greater weight on external issues rather than internal ones because we live in a physical, tangible world. It may also seem like external things are easier to manage or control than what's internal.
The first promise—the Old Covenant Law—was not perfect nor eternal, but temporary. It focused on the physical and external, not what is inherently spiritual, eternal, or internal.
The comparison between the old and new promises (covenants) illustrates the difference between a religion based on obedience and a relationship based on God's grace.
The New Covenant, a promise extended through God's grace, brings internal transformation, rather than focusing on external issues and actions. As internal transformation takes place in a person, external concerns and actions conform to the internal change.
This internal transformation in believers by the Holy Spirit prepares us for dwelling in God’s presence in heaven. God desires for us to dwell with Him in heaven. He opened the way to heaven by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Way (John 14:6). We need to trust in the Lord rather than our religious efforts or good deeds.
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
What attracts or repels you about religion or religious practices?
Do you understand how religious practices can be a hindrance to walking by faith?
When have you experienced having a clear conscience? What led up to it?
How have you experienced an external change in your life based on internal transformation?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
