And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all. Hebrews 9:3
Do you like exploring new and interesting places? Good, come with me and let’s explore the most wonderful tent that this world has ever seen. As we approach, we see the snow-white fabric wall, with a beautifully woven veil covering the entrance. As we pass through the gate into the first courtyard, we see the huge altar with a fire that is burning the body of a lamb. Next, we come to a large brass basin, waist high, almost two meters across, and filled with water. We rinse our hands in this laver, and continue on to a large tent with another beautiful veil through which we pass. We are now in the holy place with some very special furniture, illuminated by the flickering flames of a seven-stemmed golden lampstand. At one side stands a table on which are twelve loaves of bread. Most lovely of all is another veil, this one made of wonderfully woven patterns entwined with gold. As we approach this veil, a priest stands before us, indicating no access to what is behind that veil. It is called the Holy of Holies, or as our text calls it the Holiest of all. This is where God dwells under the terms of the old covenant. This place is so special that none but the high priest may enter, and then only once a year and even then only after performing very exacting ceremonies. Otherwise, he will die. The tabernacle no longer exists. Neither does the temple that replaced it. Does that mean that nobody, not even a high priest, can enter the presence of God? Not at all. In fact, access to God’s presence is freely extended today to all who will approach according to a new covenant.
The old covenant required a special sacrifice, a ritual cleansing, and special garments for the high priest. And he must enter the Holy of Holies with blood to sprinkle on the Mercy Seat. The same requirements are in place today, although not limited to one man, and not limited to an annual event. Matthew 18:20 gives us the invitation from the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.’ The practice of the apostles and early Christians in the book of Acts was to gather each week to follow the Lord’s command concerning His supper: ‘This do in remembrance of Me’ (Luke 22:19). We do well to follow this pattern today. Why would we not, if we can enter the very presence of our Lord? And all the requirements are met.
As in the old covenant, there is a sacrifice. But instead of an annual sacrifice, we appreciate that the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus at Calvary was once for all. There is a ritual cleansing, because the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7). And we wear the special garments of God’s salvation, making us fit to enter our Lord’s presence. Now we come to the primary difference under the new covenant: we don’t need to bring blood to sprinkle on the Mercy Seat. The blood has already been provided and applied. Our responsibility is but to acknowledge the value of that precious blood and to give thanks for it.
A beautiful tabernacle might be a wonderful thing to see and visit. But the new covenant gives us better access to a more wonderful place where our Lord will accept our worship. – Jim MacIntosh