Through The Veil - Girlfriends in God - Mar. 15, 2013

...by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain (Heb. 19:20). This was the greatest exchange of all time. He died so we could live. Through the curtain, which is the body of Christ, we now have access to the presence of God.


Through The Veil

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

“Therefore, brothers, 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 in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Friend to Friend

Several years ago, my father was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that changed the course of his life. My family and I watched in agony as his health faded away and his future evaporated. He was just days away from dying when a donated organ provided a way for him to live. Dad received the gift of life as a transplant recipient.

Tragically, in order for my dad to live, someone else had to die. While our family rejoiced at this priceless provision, another family mourned the passing of one they loved. It was a bittersweet exchange… an amazing gift... wonderful and horrible at the very same time.

There’s no greater gift than life! Now that Easter is around the corner, we have time to consider and celebrate the beautiful brokenness that Jesus endured so that we could receive the gift of eternal life. Full life. Life filled with forgiveness, grace, mercy and the presence of God. The Bible sums it up this way, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Some 2000 years ago, Jesus went to the cross and took on death. Through Him, a new and living way was created for us to be reconciled to the holy heart of God. At the very moment of Christ’s death, across the city of Jerusalem – in the temple – the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Most Holy Place was torn from top to bottom…from God to man. Because Jesus laid down his perfect life for our imperfect lives, the barriers between God’s presence and us no longer exist. We can be forgiven.

This was the greatest exchange of all time. He died so we could live. Through the curtain, which is the body of Christ, we now have access to the presence of God. In the Old Testament, only the high priests could enter the Holy of Holies (the Most Holy place), and when they did, it was with great trepidation. Because of Christ,we can go to God personally...with confidence of His love for us.

I’ve heard it said that, “We are far more sinful than we can possibly imagine and far more loved than we can possibly accept.”

How does this affect you? How does this pivotal moment in history, this “veil rending” influence the way you live? Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” 

Have you accepted this great exchange personally? Have you asked God to forgive your sins and wipe away the mistakes of your past? The gift of life, through Jesus Christ, is free. Turn to Him now. God is waiting with open arms.  Romans 10:9 tells us “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Nothing you have ever done is too big for God’s forgiveness!

If you are ready to turn to Him now, pray with me:  “Dear God, I confess that I have done many things wrong – the Bible calls it sin and I’m guilty. Would you please forgive me? I believe in my heart that Jesus is Your Son and that He lived, died, and rose again. Would you give me your gift of eternal life and teach me what it means to follow you?  Thank you, Lord.  In Jesus’s name, amen.”

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, or perhaps re-dedicated your heart to God today, would you please email  and let us know. We would love to pray for you.

Grace deserves a response, friend. Let’s go to Him now with worship on our lips and thankfulness on our hearts. In the presence of God we are continually renewed, rejuvenated and refreshed.

While studying the book of Hebrews, the Lord inspired me to write this song. Please read the lyric then click the link below to worship along with me:

Through The Veil

by Gwen Smith

(Hebrews 10:19-23)

Through the veil there’s a new and living way

Through the curtain, welcome to the Holy Place

Though we once were separated, we are now invited in

Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him

Through the veil, through the blood, enter in

 

The Holy Place is open, come and worship

The Lamb for sinners slain is King of all

We praise and glorify the Lord before His mighty throne

Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him

Through the veil, through the blood, enter in

CLICK HERE to hear the song.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, You are amazing! Thank you for offering forgiveness and mercy through the great exchange of Jesus. It is a miracle that I can come to You with a heart that is pure. Your love is extravagant and I cannot say thank you enough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

  • Is there an area of your life that needs ‘transplanted?’
  • Do you know that God can forgive anything you have done?
  • Write a response to God. Thank Him for his love and mercy, and then read it to Him as an act of worship!

Got a grace story? I’d love to hear about it! Swing by my blog or facebook page today and leave a comment.

More from the Girlfriends

LOVE TO WORSHIP? Gwen’s song “Through The Veil” is featured on her Unsearchable CD. Download Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website.

NEED HEALING for some heart wounds? STRUGGLING to find PURPOSE in the PAIN? God delights to transform lives…including your own. In her book, Broken Into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life. To order Gwen’s book, Broken Into Beautiful, please CLICK HERE.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
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www.girlfriendsingod.com

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Christianity / Devotionals / Girlfriends in God / Through The Veil - Girlfriends in God - Mar. 15, 2013