original photo by VinothChandar
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… (Hebrews 10:19)
The holy places do not inspire confidence or swagger. A person who understands his sinfulness doesn’t confidently stroll into the holy places of God.
When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai he told the people of Israel, “Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death.” (Exodus 19:12)
Nadab and Abihu were consumed by holy fire when they offered unauthorized fire to the Lord (Lev. 10). Uzzah was struck dead when reached out to catch the Ark of the Covenant from falling (2 Sam. 6).
When Isaiah caught a glimpse of the Holy One upon his throne, he called out for divine judgment to fall upon him. (Isaiah 6)
The high priest, and only the high priest, entered the most holy place in the temple on time per year, and he did so with the utmost care.
Entering the holy places should fill a sinful man or woman with dread, not confidence.
But now, through Jesus Christ, we have confidence to enter the holy places. We have confidence to stand in the presence of the God who is described as a consuming fire. We have confidence to draw near and make our requests and petitions of the Most High God. We can enter the presence of God with thanksgiving, rather than dread.
Confidence is the last thing that we should take into the holy places. But through the gospel, we go confidently into the places where angels fear to tread.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
You just used the word "swagger." +5 cool points to you.
I love using the word swagger…
Let us never forget that God is holy! "Confidence is the last thing that we should take into the holy places." The only confidence that we might take, nay, must take is our unfailing confidence in Jesus Christ! Nothing else will do! God bless you, brother!!!
Amen to that. The only confidence we take with us is the blood of Jesus.
"But through the gospel, … " Amazing grace–how sweet the sound! Loved this post! Thanks!
PS__Diana–completely agree with your points distribution. To talk about God's holiness and yet use the word "swagger" without detracting from its message is most definitely an addition in coolness credits!
Glad you enjoyed it Kim!
Reminded again of the Lord's goodness and grace towards us who believe; still hard to comprehend how very much He loves us and at the price He was willing to pay that we might come to Him.
Thanks for the reminder, Stephen!
Amen!! Nothing but the blood of Jesus poured out at the Cross can assure us in the presence of a HolyAmen!! Nothing but the blood of Jesus poured out at the Cross can assure us in the presence of a Holy, Holy, Holy God!
Great post + I learned a new word in english!
blessings!
Amen!! Nothing but the blood of Jesus poured out at the Cross can assure us in the presence of a Holy, Holy, Holy God!
Great post + I learned a new word in english!
blessings!