The Holy of Holies was the most sacred place on earth for nearly a thousand years.

It held the Ark of the Covenant, which had God’s life-giving law inside. Outside, it was sprinkled with the blood of sacrificed animals. This God-designed place was where His presence could be found, but a veil 60 feet high and four inches thick separated it from the common man.

Only once a year was it momentarily drawn back for one chosen priest. That was it. Direct fellowship with God was not attainable for the rest of humanity.

Until Jesus.

The hour of Jesus’ death, the great veil ripped. It tore from a height no man could reach, in a manner no man could achieve. It was as though God had swung wide the door to His presence, not only for special priests on special days, but for anyone, any time.

Now God’s presence has a new residence.

When we confess our sinful life and through baptism declare our choice to follow Jesus, we hold God’s life-giving law inside ourselves. Where God’s Word is, Jesus is.

So the apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 10:19 to boldly enter into God’s presence. We have Jesus, so we can have God’s listening ear, His leading voice, wisdom, peace, and strength.