Steven A. Bush - August 14, 2022
A Torn Curtain and A Better Covenant
Hebrews 9:11-12 says: "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With His own blood--not the blood of goats and calves--He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (NLT) In the original tabernacle, as well as the temple, there was a curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Once a year the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and he would sprinkle lamb's blood to atone for the sins of the people. All this pointed to Christ Jesus, who as our High Priest, offered His own blood as atonement for our sins and He did this once for all time. He was not only the High Priest, He Himself was the sacrifice! So what about that curtain that separated the two holy places? Mark 15:37-38 tells us: "And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (ESV) That curtain might as well have had a sign posted on it: "Stay out! This place is Holy!" Now, ripped asunder from top to bottom by the fingers of Almighty God, shots aloud: "Come in!" "Welcome My children into My holy presence!" Yes indeed, the New Covenant is far better than the old one...
Scripture References: Hebrews 8:6-13, Hebrews 9:1-15, Mark 15:37-39, Hebrews 10:19-23