The Barrier Removed
by Pastor Bill Pevlor
Contrary to popular belief, “religion” and “Christianity” are not
the same. We tend to use these two terms interchangeably but they are totally
different. Religion focuses your attention on following rules, regulations, and
time worn traditions. Christianity focuses your attention on following Jesus by
knowing and serving Him.
You can be “religious” (and many are) by attending church, saying
religious words and doing religious things. In other words, changing some of
your outward actions. On the other hand, you can only become a Christian through
an inward change that is the result of a personal relationship with Jesus. You
can actually be quite religious without even knowing Christ.
Many people settle for religion because they don’t know that a personal relationship with Jesus is possible. Many religions teach that God has little to do with man; that He has no interest in you personally. The Good News from God’s Word is wonderfully different.
God has gone to great lengths to establish a close, personal relationship
with His most cherished creation - man. It is important for us to understand
that God wants an intimate relationship with us. In the Garden of Eden God had
an intimate relationship with Adam and Eve. Sin shattered that relationship and
has presented a barrier for all of mankind since. However, God provided a way
for our relationship with Him to be reconciled, through His Son Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament tabernacle there were two areas separated by a thick, heavy curtain. There was the outer court, or the “Holy Place”, with certain articles used in the service and worship of God. And there was the inner court, or the “Holy of Holies”, where the actual presence of God resided. The curtain between represented the separation between God and man caused by sin. Men would regularly attend to the things of the outer court, prevented from experiencing the presence of God by the great veil.
Only one time each year would someone actually get to experience the
presence of God by entering into the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could
enter the innermost sanctum; and only once a year. Any intimate relationship
between God and man was limited to that one man and one event each year. That
is, until Jesus died on the cross.
At Jesus’ death a remarkable thing happened. Matthew 27:51 tells us
that at the very moment Jesus died “the curtain of the temple (that
separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies) was torn in two from top to
bottom.” The barrier between man in the Holy Place and God in the Holy of
Holies was destroyed. No longer was there a separation. The scriptures say it
was torn from top to bottom; indicating God was the one who tore it. God used
this curtain to symbolically display the effect of Jesus’ death on the cross.
The sin that once was a barrier between man and God was removed.
God so desired to have a personal relationship with you that He gave His
only son to atone for your sins. Your own personal sins that separate you from
God are destroyed when you receive the atonement God provided. We receive that
gift by faith; by believing in, and committing our life to, the Lord Jesus
Christ. Through Jesus we can cross the barrier sin once presented into an
intimate relationship with God with the confidence that we will be accepted.
Hebrews 10:19-20 says “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...”
You can go though the motions and try to follow all the rules of
religion. You can receive religious awards, degrees, respect and praise from
your peers. You can be as religious as you want but it will be of no value to
you in eternity. All that matters is whether you know Jesus.
Do you know Him well enough to say you have a personal relationship with
Him? Jesus, himself, said “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord,
did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform
many miracles?’ (or “didn’t we do all the things religious people are
supposed to do?”) Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away
from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23)
Choose a relationship over religion. God wants to fellowship with you. “God,
who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is
faithful.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
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Faith Ministries
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Phone: 920-487-5775
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