My two cents.. Granted Access, Rarely Used
A Reflection on Our Neglected Privilege
New Testament believers have been granted an extraordinary privilege: direct access to the Most Holy Place to worship God. No man-made church building or carefully crafted atmosphere can compared to this sacred reality.
The Old Testament Pattern
To appreciate what we’ve been given, consider what God revealed to Moses—a tabernacle that was a physical representation of spiritual truths:
The Outer Court (Exodus 27:9-19) was where all Israelites could come to offer sacrifices at the bronze altar and laver. This was the place of basic worship and the approach to God.
The Holy Place (Exodus 26:33-35) was accessible only to priests. Here stood the lampstand, table of showbread, and altar of incense—symbols of deeper consecration and daily ministry in God’s presence.
The Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33-34), the Holy of Holies, housed the Ark of the Covenant and God’s manifest presence. Only the High Priest could enter, once a year, carrying blood for atonement. This was the place of ultimate intimacy and glory.
Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that these priests “serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.” The tabernacle wasn’t merely historical—it reveals spiritual realities about accessing God’s presence today.
Our Privilege Today
Hebrews 10:19-22 declares: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”
What once required blood sacrifice and priestly mediation is now ours through Christ. The veil has been torn. The way is open.
A Sobering Comparison
When I immigrated to Canada, I was amazed by the public library system. I eagerly obtained a library card—completely free—even getting one for my five-year-old daughter. I came home excited about this wonderful resource.
Seven years later, I realized something troubling: I had hardly visited the library at all. I had taken this incredible facility for granted simply because it was free.
But here’s the truth: not everything free is worthless. Some things are free precisely because we could never afford them otherwise. They’re far too expensive.
The Cost of Our Access
Our access to the Most Holy Place falls into this category. It’s infinitely expensive—a price we could never pay. So Jesus paid it for us and made it free.
The tragic reality? We rarely use this access.
We have been granted entrance to the very presence of God—a privilege that cost Jesus everything—yet we approach it casually, infrequently, or not at all. The invitation stands. The door remains open. The question is: will we enter?