Unprecedented Access: The Power of Christ's Sacrifice

 

Summary

This morning, we gathered to explore the profound depth of what Jesus' sacrifice on the cross truly means for us. It's not just about the forgiveness of sins, though that is a monumental part of it. It's about the access we now have to the presence of God, an access that was unimaginable under the Old Covenant. We delved into Psalm 91, a passage that speaks of God's protection and provision, and we considered the life of Moses, who, despite his close relationship with God, experienced a limited access to His presence. Moses, who wrote Psalm 91, lived 1,400 years before Jesus and had a profound understanding of God's might and protection. Yet, even he did not have the access to God that we have today because of Jesus' sacrifice.

The Old Testament saints, like Moses, lived under a system where access to God was restricted. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year. The common man had no direct access to God. But Jesus changed everything. His death tore the veil that separated us from God, granting us direct access to His presence. This is a privilege that we often take for granted, yet it is the very essence of our faith. We no longer need a mediator; we have a new High Priest in Jesus, who has given us full access to God.

The cross signifies a new covenant, a better covenant, where the Holy Spirit is not limited or temporary but dwells within us, transforming us from the inside out. We are empowered to live without fear of demons, disease, or curses because of the blood of Jesus. We are called to embrace this access, to enter boldly into God's presence, and to live in the fullness of what Jesus has provided for us. Let us not neglect this incredible gift but cherish it, knowing the price that was paid for our unlimited access to God.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding the Fullness of the Cross: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is not limited to the forgiveness of sins. It grants us unprecedented access to God's presence, a privilege that Old Testament saints like Moses could only dream of. This access is a cornerstone of our faith, allowing us to commune directly with God without the need for a mediator. [15:31]

- The Significance of Psalm 91: Psalm 91, written by Moses, speaks of God's protection and provision. Despite Moses' close relationship with God, his access was limited compared to what we have today. This psalm reminds us of the depth of God's love and the protection we have through Jesus. [19:02]

- The Veil Torn: The tearing of the veil at Jesus' death symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and man. This act signifies our full access to God's presence, a reality that transforms how we live and interact with God. We are no longer separated but can enter boldly into His presence. [58:52]

- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Under the new covenant, the Holy Spirit is not limited or temporary but dwells within us, empowering us to live victoriously. This indwelling presence transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to overcome fear, disease, and curses. [49:29]

- Cherishing Our Access to God: The access we have to God through Jesus is a profound gift that we must not take for granted. It calls us to live differently, to embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers, and to engage deeply with God in prayer and communion. [01:10:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [15:31] - The Fullness of the Cross
- [19:02] - Exploring Psalm 91
- [23:37] - The Heart of God
- [26:51] - Old Covenant Limitations
- [30:20] - The Promise of the Messiah
- [33:00] - God's Response to the Psalmist
- [36:01] - Moses' Unique Relationship with God
- [39:32] - The Cleft of the Rock
- [41:46] - The Tabernacle of Moses
- [43:51] - Limited Access to God
- [46:49] - Misconceptions About the Old Testament
- [49:29] - The Holy Spirit's Role
- [52:59] - The Power of the New Covenant
- [56:00] - Living in the Reality of the Cross
- [58:52] - The Veil Torn
- [01:00:59] - The Impact of the Cross
- [01:03:15] - Breaking Generational Curses
- [01:05:27] - The Significance of the Veil
- [01:07:36] - Total Access to God
- [01:10:18] - Embracing Our Access
- [01:13:00] - The Price of Access
- [01:15:32] - Boldly Approaching the Throne
- [01:17:44] - The Undivided Attention of God
- [01:20:24] - Unlimited Access to His Presence

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 91

Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 91 reveal about the nature of God's protection and provision? How does the imagery used in the psalm enhance this understanding?
2. According to the sermon, how did Moses' understanding of God's presence differ from the access we have today through Jesus? [26:51]
3. What was the significance of the veil in the Temple, and what did its tearing symbolize at the time of Jesus' death? [58:52]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in terms of access to God? [41:46]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit's role has changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament? [49:29]
3. How does the sermon interpret the tearing of the veil as a metaphor for our relationship with God today? [58:52]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal prayer life. How often do you take advantage of the direct access to God that Jesus' sacrifice provides? What changes can you make to deepen this aspect of your faith? [01:10:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes living without fear of demons, disease, or curses due to Jesus' sacrifice. Are there fears in your life that you need to confront with this truth? How can you begin to address them? [52:59]
3. Consider the concept of cherishing the access to God. What practical steps can you take to ensure you do not take this privilege for granted in your daily life? [01:13:00]
4. The sermon mentions the empowerment by the Holy Spirit. How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment in your daily decisions and actions? [49:29]
5. Reflect on the idea of the "undivided attention of God" during prayer. How does this change your perspective on prayer, and how can you cultivate a more intentional prayer life? [01:17:44]
6. The sermon challenges us to live in the fullness of what Jesus has provided. Identify one area of your life where you feel you are not fully embracing this fullness. What steps can you take to change this? [01:05:27]
7. How can you remind yourself of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in your everyday life, especially during times of doubt or struggle? [01:03:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross Grants Unprecedented Access to God
The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is a transformative event that extends beyond the forgiveness of sins. It opens the door to a direct relationship with God, a privilege that was unimaginable under the Old Covenant. In the past, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year. Now, because of Jesus, the veil has been torn, and we have full access to God's presence. This access is a cornerstone of our faith, allowing us to commune directly with God without the need for a mediator. We are invited to embrace this access and live in the fullness of what Jesus has provided for us. [15:31]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to intentionally enter into God's presence and deepen your relationship with Him?


Day 2: Psalm 91 and the Depth of God's Protection
Psalm 91, attributed to Moses, speaks profoundly of God's protection and provision. Despite Moses' close relationship with God, his access was limited compared to what we have today through Jesus. This psalm serves as a reminder of the depth of God's love and the protection we have through Jesus. It encourages us to trust in God's promises and to find refuge in His presence, knowing that we are under His care and protection. [19:02]

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV): "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's protection and provision? How can you actively seek His refuge today?


Day 3: The Veil Torn and Our Bold Access
The tearing of the veil at Jesus' death symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and man. This act signifies our full access to God's presence, a reality that transforms how we live and interact with God. We are no longer separated but can enter boldly into His presence. This boldness is not based on our merit but on the finished work of Christ, inviting us to live confidently in our relationship with God. [58:52]

Matthew 27:50-51 (ESV): "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of approaching God with boldness and confidence in your daily life?


Day 4: Empowered by the Indwelling Holy Spirit
Under the new covenant, the Holy Spirit is not limited or temporary but dwells within us, empowering us to live victoriously. This indwelling presence transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to overcome fear, disease, and curses. We are called to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and transform our lives according to God's will. [49:29]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform specific areas of your life today?


Day 5: Cherishing Our Access to God
The access we have to God through Jesus is a profound gift that we must not take for granted. It calls us to live differently, to embrace the fullness of life that Jesus offers, and to engage deeply with God in prayer and communion. This access is not just a privilege but a responsibility to live in a way that reflects our relationship with God. We are encouraged to cherish this gift and to let it shape our daily lives. [01:10:18]

Ephesians 3:11-12 (ESV): "This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Reflection: How can you intentionally cherish and make the most of your access to God in your daily routine?

Quotes

"Now, it would take a lifetime for me to cover all that he's done, all that his blood has given us, all that he's done in his death. And I'm going to try to put some, this into perspective for you this morning, just regarding one or two things. Because let me tell you something, you have access to some things because of the cross." [00:16:37]

"When you ask most believers, what did Jesus come to the earth to do? Most believers say this right here. Jesus came to the earth to forgive our sins. And he did. I'm not trying to minimize that at all. He came to forgive us of our sins. And for the most part, most believers don't really even realize what that means." [00:15:31]

"And if we really understood all that Jesus has done for us, there would be such a level of gratitude. And I promise you, you would never have another challenge of giving your heart, whole life to Jesus when you really understand what he has done for you." [00:16:15]

"Because let me tell you something, you have access to some things because of the cross. You have some access to some things because of the work of the cross this morning. And it's because we don't know, as I said, the totality of the work of the cross, we don't know what we have access to." [00:16:55]

"But church, I promise you there's so much more. There's so much more. That's when we, when we sing about the cross and we sing about the power of the blood, the power of his death. Amen. He brings forgiveness of sin. Yes, but there's so much more to that." [00:17:27]

"Do you understand this writer knew God? He knew of the presence of God. He knew of the provision of God. He knew of the protection of God. He had a relationship with God. He had been in the secret place, God's secret place. And what was that again? He was familiar with the heart of God." [00:23:58]

"And so this writer is telling us he's under the Old Covenant. Guys, this is happening. This particular writer, and I want to reveal who this writer is in just a moment. He lived some 1,400 years before Jesus, some 1,400 to 1,500 years before the time of the cross. And he's got this much confidence in God?" [00:26:51]

"See, this is the piece I'm telling you. This is the kind of stuff that you, if you only knew what Jesus' death has done. And I got a million more like this. But today I'm talking to you about access into his presence. Did you know that the blood of Jesus and his death on the cross gave you access into the presence of God unlike any other man has ever had?" [01:10:18]

"Nobody's had access into the presence of God like we have. Nobody. Not even Moses. Saint, are you getting this? Are you getting this? Marilyn, are you getting this? Not even Moses had access like you've got." [01:10:39]

"Because it's a reminder of what his blood did. That veil came down that day. And God came out. And man went in. There's no more separation. But do you know that his presence is the most neglected place in our Christian walk?" [01:11:57]

"Look at the price that was paid to unlimited access. Boy, if Moses, what if Jesus had come during Moses' time? Moses already knew God like that. And you give Moses unlimited access? Yes, it's going to be amazing. But see, we've never not known access like this except for when we were lost." [01:12:42]

"He shed blood for that presence, for access into that presence, for the privilege to go into the presence. He shed blood for it. Whose blood? The blood of God. The blood of God. God was shed. He gave his life. Listen to this. He gave his life so we could get in his presence. His life." [01:13:29]

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Transcript
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