Boldness to Enter God’s Presence

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil. …Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:19-20, 22, NKJV).

There are two sides to Christ’s work at Calvary. One is to the benefit of man, and the other is to the benefit of God.

We are well acquainted with the benefit on the human side. The cross of Christ has provided us with forgiveness of our sins. We are given the power of victory over bondage and dominion over sin. We are supplied with mercy and grace, and we are given the promise of eternal life. The cross has given us the means of escape from the terrors of sin and hell.

I thank God for this benefit of the cross and for the wonderful relief it brings. I rejoice that it is preached in churches all over the world, yet there is another aspect of the cross, one that benefits God.

We understand very little about the delight of the Father that was made possible by the cross. Many Christians have learned to come boldly before God for forgiveness, for supply of needs or for answers to prayer. Yet they lack boldness to come before him with the intent of simply communing with him, an aspect that is just as crucial in their walk with the Lord. He is delighted when a prodigal comes home or when his people just want to spend time with him in worship and meditation. His delight brings us liberty, rest, peace and joy.

The most glorious moment in history was when the temple veil was rent in two on the day that Christ died. It was at this moment that the benefit to God burst forth. In the instant that the temple veil separating man from God’s holy presence was torn asunder, something incredible happened. From that point on, not only was man able to enter into the Lord’s presence, but God could come out to man.