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Life is full of symbolism but most of it is taken for granted. A clock or watch tracks time, yet time is an abstract concept marked in life by the rising and setting of the sun. Nowadays we use emoticons in place of words.
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 of 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 believers experience through trusting in the Lord Jesus.
Just as the curtain in front of the Most Holy Place in the temple tore apart from top to bottom when Jesus exhaled His last breath on the cross, a new and living way opened up for all who trust in the Lord (Matt 27:50-51).
Scripture
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 to go through
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
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?
Reflection...
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.
This relationship is made available by what Jesus did on the cross (atonement) for all humanity, all those who would trust in Him personally.
The way into God's presence is open but is only accessible with a sincere heart and strong faith—an honest, open and trusting heart (Heb 10:22). His poured out blood cleanses our conscience and the pure water of God's truth washes and renews our mind.
Jesus opened the way to God and He leads us through that way as both our Savior and High Priest who continually intercedes for us (prays on our behalf). It is a new and living way of life.
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
Do you understand the symbolism of the curtain and holy place of the temple?
Can you picture in your mindthe 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?
©2017—Word-Strong
Here's a free introduction for the book of Hebrews— Intro to studying Hebrews