The Father’s Delight

“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).

There are two sides to Christ’s work at Calvary. One side benefits the sinner, while the other benefits the Father. We are well acquainted with the benefit on the human side. The cross of Christ has provided us with forgiveness of our sins; the power of victory over all bondages and dominion over sin; and a supply of mercy and grace And, of course we are given the promise of eternal life. 

Yet there is another benefit of the cross, one that we know little about. And this one is to the benefit of the Father. We understand very little about the delight of the Father that was made possible by the cross.

If all we focus on about the cross is forgiveness, then we miss an important truth that God has meant for us about the cross. There is a fuller understanding to be had here and it has to do with his delight. This truth provides God’s people with much more than just relief. It brings liberty, rest, peace, and joy.

God’s delight comes in his enjoyment of our company. Indeed, the most glorious moment in history was when the temple veil was rent in two, on the day that Christ died. At that moment, the earth trembled, the rocks rent, and the graves were opened. In the instant that the temple veil was torn asunder — separating man from God’s holy presence — 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!

Before the cross, there was no access to God for the general public; only the high priest could enter the holy of holies. Now the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son in whom I delight. You are his body and he is your headship, so I delight in you also. All that I have given my Son, I give to you. His fullness is yours.”