Jesus, Our Access to God

Jesus died to bring us to God. First Peter 3:18 puts that purpose plainly before us: the righteous One suffered for the unrighteous so that He might bring us to the Father. We need to remember that when we think about the cross. His sacrifice provides forgiveness, and forgiveness opens the way to fellowship. The Lord we have sinned against is the One we need most. Jesus gave His life so we could come near to Him.

The tabernacle helps us appreciate that privilege. Hebrews 9:1–10 describes its furnishings, the service of the priests, and the restricted entrance into the inner sanctuary. Ordinary worshipers could not simply walk into the Most Holy Place. The high priest entered with blood on the appointed yearly occasion. These arrangements came from God and taught Israel to take His holiness seriously. They also help us appreciate the greater access Jesus provides. We should not conclude that faithful Israelites could never pray or receive forgiveness.

John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin (John 1:29). Hebrews 9:11–14 tells us He entered through His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption and cleansing the conscience for service to the living God. Think about how much is gathered into that gift. He is our great High Priest, and He offers Himself. We bring no better sacrifice and need no replacement. Our confidence rests in the Savior who has done what we could never do.

The tabernacle’s bread and light can also turn our thoughts toward Jesus. He gives light and calls Himself the bread of life (John 6:48–51). We can appreciate those connections without assigning a detailed prediction to every furnishing. Hebrews 7:25 gives us a direct promise to hold: Jesus lives to intercede for those who draw near through Him. Our Lord is alive. The One who gave Himself for us continues His priestly work. We come to the Father through a living Savior.

Hebrews 10:19–22 tells us what to do with this confidence: draw near with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. The passage speaks of hearts cleansed and bodies washed with pure water. Our response matters, and our assurance belongs in what Jesus has provided. We do not honor His sacrifice by standing at a distance as though He had accomplished nothing. We honor Him by trusting His word, coming in obedient faith, and treasuring the fellowship His death makes possible.

Let that truth shape the next prayer you offer. You can confess honestly, ask sincerely, and give thanks with confidence in the Son who brings you near. Let it shape your remembrance of His body and blood, too. Consider the cost, then consider the relationship He opened to you. Carry that gratitude into your service after worship. A cleansed conscience is meant to help us serve the living God. Jesus gave His life to bring us to the Father. Make room to enjoy that nearness today.