The Most Holy Place

Jim Bucklew
Written By Jeff Rybacki
 

“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” 

Mark 15:38

Do we truly realize just how significant this one little verse is? I fear that it’s too easy to blow right past this verse as we’re recounting the crucifixion of Christ, not slowing down enough to really let it sink in. The curtain, or veil, described in this verse, was first mentioned in Exodus Chapter 26, as God was describing how to build the portable tabernacle that the Israelites would use during their wanderings, until a formal temple could be built when they would eventually settle in the Promised Land (vv. 31-33). The veil was also included in the temple built in Jerusalem by Solomon (2Ch 3:8-14). The purpose of the veil was to create a separation – or boundary – between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. In the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant, the cherubim, the mercy seat, and the manifest presence of God among His people. The only person allowed to enter the Most Holy Place was the high priest, and him only once per year, and with special preparations (see Lev 16, Heb 9:1-7). This was required annually, because – as the author of Hebrews points out – “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Heb 10:4).

That’s what makes Mark 15:38 so incredibly important. It tells us that Jesus made it possible for us to enter directly into the Most Holy Place – directly before the throne of God – when we pray. We are encouraged to draw near to God: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

But how often do we limit our approach to God by staying just outside the “Most Holy Place”? By this I mean in our mind, in our heart, in our understanding. God is most certainly near – or actually, in – us, as the Holy Spirit dwells within every born again believer (1Co 6:19). But sometimes I think we tend to mentally avoid stepping directly in front of God because we don’t feel “clean” enough. We might have baggage that we don’t necessarily want to parade in front of our Lord and Maker. Perhaps there’s a little part of us that secretly doesn’t want to let go of something, whether a habitual sin, a seed of bitterness, or unforgiveness. We know that once we step into the Most Holy Place, God is going to want to address those things. So, it’s safer to stay just outside the Most Holy Place - close enough to give the appearance of being religious, but not close enough to be drenched by the light of God’s glory.

What do I mean by that? I’m thinking of Moses. Moses chased hard after God, and therefore found favor in God’s sight. He was allowed to go into the Tent of Meeting, to converse with God, and when he would come out, his face was physically radiant with the light of God’s glory. His exposure to the living God was quite evident to those around him (to the point that he had to start wearing a veil) (See Ex 33:7-11; 34:29-35). You see where I’m going with this. I’m not saying that Christians should walk around with an actual electromagnetic radiation emanating from their heads, but I am saying that there should be something different – observable – about believers, particularly those who spend any time in the Most Holy Place. There should be something “otherworldly” about us, in a good and spiritually attractive way.

So, for those who hesitate to enter the Most Holy Place because you don’t feel “clean” enough: you’re not. Not in and of yourself, anyway. That’s the whole point of what Christ did by surrendering Himself to a horrific death on the cross. He took on and suffered for our uncleanness, and imputed His righteousness to us. Heb 10:10 confirms that, “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” And again in verse 14, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

But at the same time, we shouldn’t be cavalier about our sinfulness. We are kidding ourselves if we think we are able to hide our “pet” sins from God by staying outside the Most Holy Place. In reality, the mercy seat found in the Most Holy Place is exactly where we need to be. It is there where we will find healing and forgiveness and strength to overcome the things that hold us hostage, when we come with an attitude of humility and repentance, honestly and openly confessing our sins and sinfulness before God (1Jn 1:9). And as we do that, as we stand in the Most Holy Place and allow Almighty God – the true Lover of our souls – to do his miraculous work of transforming us into the likeness of Christ, we will be different. We will shine with the light of His glory.

Heb 4:16 – “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

 Questions to ponder:

  • Have you ever been hesitant or afraid to “enter the Most Holy Place”? To really approach God in prayer and just lay it all out before Him?

  • If so, what causes you to hesitate? Take the time to really dig deep, and ask God to search your heart and reveal to you the things you need to deal with (Ps 139:23-24)

  • Are you ready and willing to truly let God have his way with you?

  • Are there sins you are trying to “hide” and/or really don’t want to let go of?

  • Do people – especially non-believers – notice something different about you? Something that attracts them to God

Suggestion: If you’re not sure where to start, simply find a quiet place to pray, and try the A.C.T.S format for prayer.

  • A - Adoration – start by simply telling God how wonderful He is to you.

  • C - Confession – Openly and honestly confess your sins before God, and not just the “biggies”, even the seemingly insignificant stuff (e.g., motivations, attitudes).

  • T - Thanksgiving – Thank God for anything and everything He has done for you, and the ways He demonstrates His power and glory (e.g., creation, family, answered prayers).

  • S - Supplication – Bring before Him the needs, concerns, troubles, etc. that are on your heart, as well as prayers for others.

(And don’t forget to pause once in a while to listen for His still, small voice!)

Jeff Rybacki
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