October 17, 2008
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
A few years ago, my father received the gift of life as a transplant recipient. Tragically, in order for my dad to live, someone else had to die. The only information our family received about the donor is that the person had died in a car crash. While our family rejoiced at this priceless provision, another family mourned the passing of one they loved. It was a bittersweet exchange …wonderful and horrible at the very same time.
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. The barriers between God’s mercy and us no longer exist.
Some 2000 years ago, when Jesus surrendered His perfect life to death – once for all – a new and living way was created for us to be reconciled to the holy heart of God. It was the Great Exchange. Through the curtain, which is the body of Christ, we have access to the Most Holy Place …the presence of God. In the Old Testament, the high priests entered the Holy of Holies with great trepidation. Because of Christ, we can cross the threshold of mercy with confidence.
While studying this very topic, the Lord inspired me to write this worship song:
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 Sinner’s 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 LISTEN TO THROUGH THE VEIL
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 and me? How does this pivotal moment in history, this “veil renting” influence the way we live? Well, I guess that’s up to each one of us. 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 in your own heart? Have you prayed to receive this mercy and forgiveness that is offered freely to all who ask? If not, would you like to now? God is waiting with open arms. Roman’s 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 lands outside the scope of God’s forgiveness.
If you would like to pray, it’s as simple as this: “Dear Lord, I confess that I have done many things wrong – the Bible calls it sin and I’m guilty. Would you please forgive me? I do believe that Jesus is Your Son and that He is Lord. I believe that He lived, died and rose again. Would you be my Lord? Would you teach me what it means to follow you? Thank you Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
If you prayed that prayer and meant it sincerely, would you please email us and let us know. We would love to pray for you.
Once we are covered in grace, prayer, praise and worship should be our natural response to God. We must come with both reverence and boldness…with quiet awe and joyful singing…because He is both a radiant, holy God and a trustworthy, faithful friend. Enter in today.
Let’s Pray
Holy Father, You are amazing! Thank You for offering forgiveness and mercy through the great exchange of Jesus. I am blessed beyond measure to be able to come into Your presence with a heart that is pure. Your love is extravagant. 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!
More From the Girlfriends
Gwen’s song “Through The Veil” is featured on her new CD that is just being released. CLICK HERE to pre-order your copy!
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 and then stand back and watch the wonder of grace at work. He is willing to eternally forgive and forget and to transform your life into something beautiful. To order Gwen’s book, Broken Into Beautiful, please CLICK HERE.
To listen to Gwen’s music, CLICK HERE!
Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. For more information, visit her website at: www.gwensmith.net.
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Originally published Friday, 17 October 2008.