Lorenzo Palon

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus" - Heb. 10:19 (NASB)

I am a firm believer in the security of the believer, and my conviction is rooted in God’s promise that we can boldly enter the holy place through the blood of Jesus. The term ‘boldness’ in the King James version is used repeatedly in the book of Hebrews. In Greek, it originally denoted freedom of speech, allowing someone to express themselves without restraint. Over time, it evolved to signify confidence, courage, and certainty. Personally, I would interpret this term as ‘assured freedom’ or ‘assured access,’ among other possibilities. The verb is in the present tense, indicating that we continually enjoy unhindered access to the holy place as an integral part of our lives. This significance might not be apparent unless one is familiar with the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, the high priest would annually enter the holy place behind the inner veil, carrying the blood of a bullock to sprinkle upon the Ark of the Covenant for the forgiveness of his own sins and those of Israel. This special event signified the presence of God, with only one man allowed to enter. The high priest’s robes were adorned with pomegranates and golden bells, and as a precaution, a rope would be tied to his leg so that he could be pulled out if he was struck dead in the presence of God. The Ark of the Covenant, crafted from acacia wood and overlaid with gold, had two cherubim on the lid, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. Inside the Ark were Aaron’s budding rod, the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments by God’s hand, and a jar of manna. By sprinkling blood on the mercy seat, the high priest symbolically atoned for the sins of the people.

What a remarkable change we experience as believers in Jesus Christ! We no longer have to wait for a once-a-year opportunity, and no longer does only one person have the privilege of approaching the presence of God. We are God’s children (cf. Jn. 1:12), and as such, we can come before His presence at any time. Every time we bow our heads in prayer or meditate on God, we are, in a very real sense, entering His throne room. We are the children of the King. While others must knock and request entry, we boldly pass through the curtain, always welcomed because we are God’s children. God is never too occupied for us, never too preoccupied, and never denies us; we can enter directly into the Holy of Holies, into the very presence of God whenever we desire. And we have this guaranteed access by the virtue of the blood of the Lamb. We boldly enter the presence of God through the blood of Jesus. Oh, what a contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Hallelujah!