06.16

A Greater Intimacy under Grace "Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of
divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part,
in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;
and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All.
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new
and living way which He consecrated for us. (Hebrews 9:1-3 and 10:19-20)"

An additional better aspect of grace is greater intimacy than the law could provide. The
old covenant of law brought many priests into the holy place ("the sanctuary"), but only
one into the Holy of Holies ("the Holiest"). The new covenant of grace brings every
believer into the Holy of Holies—daily!

Under the guidelines of the law, there was an earthly tabernacle, where God's people were
to approach Him. "Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service
and the earthly sanctuary." The two inner chambers (the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies)
were where spiritual intimacy with God was available. The holy place had significant
"spiritual furniture," signifying various realities of the people's relationship with God.
"For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and
the showbread, which is called the sanctuary." In this chamber, a specified number of
priests would enter each day. They would be occupied in busy service unto the Lord
(lighting the lamps, laying out the bread, supplying the incense). However, they were
separated from the most intimate presence of the Lord by the veil that prevented access to
the Holy of Holies.

Behind that veil of separation was the most intimate place with God: "behind the second
veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All." Therein was the ark
with the tablets of law: "the ark of the covenant…and the tablets of the covenant"
(Hebrews 9:4). Above the ark was the mercy seat, where the shining glory of God's personal
presence was seen. Here, blood was sprinkled, allowing sinful man to commune with a holy
God: "and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat" (Hebrews 9:5).
Yet, the law's severe restriction is seen in that only one man could enter that intimate
place one day a year: "into the second part the high priest went alone once a year"
(Hebrews 9:7). Now every new covenant servant of grace can daily enjoy by faith that
intimate presence of the Lord! "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest
by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us."

"Lord God of holiness, I praise You for the new and living way of grace, that offers such
intimacy with You. In humble faith, I ask that You make Your presence known to me day by
day, through the blood of Christ, Amen."