Access to God: The Transformative Power of Jesus
Summary
Today, we explored the profound theme of access to God through Jesus Christ, delving into the transformative power of His sacrifice and the new covenant it established. We began by reflecting on the historical context of the Old Testament, particularly the role of the high priest and the sacrificial system. In the days of Moses, the high priest was the sole mediator between God and the people, entering the Holy of Holies once a year to offer sacrifices for the sins of Israel. This system, while significant, was ultimately insufficient for true heart change and spiritual maturity ([45:17]).
We then transitioned to the New Testament, focusing on the book of Hebrews, which contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant established by Jesus. The old covenant, with its rituals and sacrifices, was a shadow of the good things to come. It could not perfect the worshipers or cleanse their consciences permanently. The sacrifices were an annual reminder of sins, but they could not take away sins completely ([48:06]). The law and the priesthood, while important, were not enough to bring about the deep, transformative change that God desired for His people.
Jesus, our new high priest, brought a whole new level of access to God. Unlike the high priests of old, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. His sacrifice was perfect and complete, providing a way for us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. Through His blood, we have been made holy, and our sins have been forgiven and forgotten ([01:00:40]). This new covenant is not about external rituals but about internal transformation—a change of heart and mind.
We also discussed the significance of Jesus' role as our mediator. He is the way, the truth, and the life, bridging the gap between humanity and God. His sacrifice was not just a ritual but a profound act of love and obedience. Jesus chose to suffer and die for us, demonstrating the ultimate act of sacrificial love. This act broke down the barriers that separated us from God, giving us direct access to Him ([01:05:10]).
As we concluded, we reflected on the implications of this new access. Because of Jesus, we can approach God with confidence and boldness. We are called to embrace this access, to live in the freedom and love that Jesus has provided. This access is not just for us but for our friends, family, and future generations. It empowers us to love others completely and to live out our faith with a whole new heart and mind ([01:09:04]).
In closing, we were reminded of the importance of heart change over mere ritual. God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and a genuine acknowledgment of Him. Our faith is not about going through the motions but about a deep, transformative relationship with God. As we live out this new covenant, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful ([01:16:21]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant: The old covenant, with its rituals and sacrifices, served as a shadow of the good things to come. It could not perfect the worshipers or cleanse their consciences permanently. The sacrifices were an annual reminder of sins, but they could not take away sins completely. This highlights the need for a more profound, transformative change that only Jesus could provide. [48:06]
2. Jesus as Our New High Priest: Jesus brought a whole new level of access to God. Unlike the high priests of old, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. His sacrifice was perfect and complete, providing a way for us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. This new covenant is about internal transformation—a change of heart and mind. [01:00:40]
3. The Role of Jesus as Mediator: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, bridging the gap between humanity and God. His sacrifice was not just a ritual but a profound act of love and obedience. Jesus chose to suffer and die for us, demonstrating the ultimate act of sacrificial love. This act broke down the barriers that separated us from God, giving us direct access to Him. [01:05:10]
4. Embracing Our New Access to God: Because of Jesus, we can approach God with confidence and boldness. We are called to embrace this access, to live in the freedom and love that Jesus has provided. This access is not just for us but for our friends, family, and future generations. It empowers us to love others completely and to live out our faith with a whole new heart and mind. [01:09:04]
5. The Importance of Heart Change: God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and a genuine acknowledgment of Him. Our faith is not about going through the motions but about a deep, transformative relationship with God. As we live out this new covenant, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. This calls us to a life of genuine faith and love, reflecting the heart of God in all we do. [01:16:21]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:10] - Mother's Day Acknowledgment
[45:17] - Introduction to Hebrews
[48:06] - Old Covenant and Sacrifices
[55:11] - Historical Context of High Priests
[01:00:40] - Jesus' Perfect Sacrifice
[01:05:10] - Jesus as Mediator
[01:09:04] - Embracing New Access to God
[01:16:21] - Conclusion and Call to Heart Change
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:1-18
2. Exodus 32:7-14
3. Matthew 27:50-52
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the role of the high priest in the Old Testament sacrificial system, and how often did he enter the Holy of Holies? ([52:45])
2. According to Hebrews 10:1-18, why were the sacrifices under the old covenant insufficient to take away sins completely? ([01:00:19])
3. How did Jesus' sacrifice differ from the sacrifices made by the high priests of the Old Testament? ([01:05:38])
4. What significant event happened at the moment of Jesus' death according to Matthew 27:50-52, and what does it symbolize? ([01:07:28])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the role of Jesus as our new high priest provide a deeper and more complete access to God compared to the old covenant? ([01:03:15])
2. In what ways does the new covenant established by Jesus focus on internal transformation rather than external rituals? ([01:00:40])
3. What does it mean for believers to approach God with confidence and boldness because of Jesus' sacrifice? ([01:09:04])
4. How does the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death illustrate the new access to God that believers now have? ([01:07:28])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus' sacrifice was a profound act of love and obedience. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with God? ([01:05:10])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of heart change over mere ritual. What are some rituals or routines in your spiritual life that might need to be re-evaluated for genuine heart transformation? ([01:01:48])
3. How can you embrace the new access to God provided by Jesus in your personal prayer life and spiritual practices? ([01:09:04])
4. Think about a time when you felt separated from God. How does the knowledge of Jesus as your mediator change your perspective on that experience? ([01:05:10])
5. The sermon mentioned that this new access to God empowers us to love others completely. Identify one person in your life who needs to experience this love. What specific action can you take this week to show them Christ's love? ([01:09:04])
6. How can you hold unswervingly to the hope you profess, especially in challenging times, knowing that He who promised is faithful? ([01:16:21])
7. The sermon concluded with a call to live out our faith with a whole new heart and mind. What is one specific area in your life where you need to apply this call to action? ([01:09:04])
Devotional
Day 1: The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant
The old covenant, with its rituals and sacrifices, served as a shadow of the good things to come. It could not perfect the worshipers or cleanse their consciences permanently. The sacrifices were an annual reminder of sins, but they could not take away sins completely. This highlights the need for a more profound, transformative change that only Jesus could provide. The law and the priesthood, while important, were not enough to bring about the deep, transformative change that God desired for His people. The old covenant was a temporary measure, pointing towards the ultimate solution in Jesus Christ. [48:06]
Hebrews 10:1-2 (ESV): "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?"
Reflection: Think about a time when you relied on rituals or routines to feel close to God. How can you shift your focus from these external practices to seeking a deeper, transformative relationship with Him today?
Day 2: Jesus as Our New High Priest
Jesus brought a whole new level of access to God. Unlike the high priests of old, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. His sacrifice was perfect and complete, providing a way for us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. This new covenant is about internal transformation—a change of heart and mind. Through His blood, we have been made holy, and our sins have been forgiven and forgotten. This new covenant is not about external rituals but about internal transformation—a change of heart and mind. [01:00:40]
Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV): "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you personally. How does knowing that His sacrifice was once and for all change the way you approach God in your daily life?
Day 3: The Role of Jesus as Mediator
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, bridging the gap between humanity and God. His sacrifice was not just a ritual but a profound act of love and obedience. Jesus chose to suffer and die for us, demonstrating the ultimate act of sacrificial love. This act broke down the barriers that separated us from God, giving us direct access to Him. Jesus' role as our mediator is central to our faith, as He continually intercedes for us, ensuring that we can always approach God with confidence. [01:05:10]
1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
Reflection: Consider the barriers that you feel might be separating you from God. How can you rely on Jesus as your mediator to break down these barriers and draw closer to God today?
Day 4: Embracing Our New Access to God
Because of Jesus, we can approach God with confidence and boldness. We are called to embrace this access, to live in the freedom and love that Jesus has provided. This access is not just for us but for our friends, family, and future generations. It empowers us to love others completely and to live out our faith with a whole new heart and mind. This new access to God is a gift that we should cherish and utilize daily, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:09:04]
Ephesians 3:12 (ESV): "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."
Reflection: How can you make the most of your direct access to God today? Think of one specific way you can approach God with confidence and boldness in your prayers or actions.
Day 5: The Importance of Heart Change
God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and a genuine acknowledgment of Him. Our faith is not about going through the motions but about a deep, transformative relationship with God. As we live out this new covenant, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. This calls us to a life of genuine faith and love, reflecting the heart of God in all we do. True heart change is about aligning our lives with God's will and allowing His love to flow through us to others. [01:16:21]
Hosea 6:6 (ESV): "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you merely going through the motions? How can you seek a deeper, more genuine relationship with God that leads to true heart change?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And no matter what you've done, no matter who you think you are, God is granting you access to Him. He's granting you forgiveness, He's granting you, I would say, forgiveness and He's going to forget about it for everything you've done. He's going to remember your sin no more it said. And then, the final part If that's not enough, he offered to put his love in your heart. Alone, we don't have a chance. promised to write his law on our minds so that it will overshadow any self-centeredness we have left. Now granted, for some of us, that's going to take a little bit of time, right? But the process has started. That's why we've got to give each other grace." [01:09:04]
2. "Because of what Jesus has done, our life can truly change. Believe this. Embrace this. Accept the love and the promise of God. Because it's for you, it's for your friends and your family and your children. And now because of this access, we now have complete and total freedom to be bold in front of God. To be bold before God through Jesus Christ. You know, the God of heaven and earth, he has come. And he has given us a gift of his Holy Spirit. It's going to give us each the ability to love others completely. And to love the Lord our God with a whole new heart, a whole new mind, a whole new idea of strength." [01:10:02]
3. "Words matter, and so I encourage you to do that today. Let's go to the Lord in prayer, and then we will begin our conversation. So I'm gonna, one thing I did to my son whenever he was young, I'd say, you need to pay attention, okay? So you need to pay attention today, so I need to rub your ears, okay? So I'd have him rub his ears." [43:56]
4. "You never know how difficult of a week somebody has had. Words matter, and so I encourage you to do that today. Let's go to the Lord in prayer, and then we will begin our conversation." [43:56]
5. "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way open 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 and with full assurance that faith brings. Having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess. For he who promised is faithful. Amen." [01:16:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming, not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices, repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Verse two, otherwise they would have not have stopped, otherwise would they not have stopped being offered." [01:00:19]
2. "The rituals had become a comfortable practice. It may have required them to invest their time and their energy and their resources, but it didn't really require them to change their hearts. I will tell you that's still sometimes an issue. We can go through the motions each and every Sunday, but if you're not really open to God, nothing we do here is going to change your heart." [01:01:48]
3. "Jesus showed us once and for all that the priests, they were just a shadow of things to come. The sacrifices were just a shadow, a glimpse into what awaits for us. Jesus showed us once and for all that he would willingly be the only remaining sacrifice, for sin, and it was one that he chose on our behalf. In Hebrews, these things, poverty, suffering, death, they didn't just happen to Jesus. He chose them for you." [01:06:39]
4. "The sacrifice is powerful enough to break down any barrier that would separate us from the love of God. It's exactly what it did." [01:07:06]
5. "He's going to be the one speaking to God on behalf of humanity, and he's going to be the one who's speaking to humanity on behalf of God. He's our mediator. He is the way to God. He is the truth of God, and he is the life of God. His blood is the life of God." [01:05:10]
6. "The preacher continues. He says day after day, verse 11, every priest stands and performs their religious duties again and again. He offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, but when this priest, Jesus is what he's talking about, had offered for all time one sacrifice for sin, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time, he waits for his enemies to be made a footstool, for by one sacrifice, he has made perfect forever those who were being made holy." [01:05:38]
7. "The life of the animals would sacrifice for the sins the nation. And it had to be done every year without fail. Or else the people would risk separation from God. And if you're God's people, that's your one job. You can't be separated from God." [55:11]
8. "So in chapters 4 through 10 of Hebrews, the preacher, he reminds the reader, the listener, up to this point, humanity only had a certain level of access to God. But it wasn't full access. It wasn't complete. Because only one person was allowed to be in the presence of God. The rest of the people had to stay on this side of the curtain. Right? This side of the glass. could only look from afar. They had to rely on one person, a mediator, a priest, to ensure that they were going to be right with God." [55:39]
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