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Introduction
The Holy of Holies was the most sacred space in ancient Israel’s worship—the inner chamber of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It represented the presence of God on earth, a place so holy that only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. Yet, through Christ, what was once inaccessible has now been opened to all believers. The Holy of Holies is not just a room—it’s a revelation of God’s nature, His holiness, and His plan to dwell with His people.
1. What Was the Holy of Holies?
The Holy of Holies (Hebrew: Kodesh HaKodashim) was located at the very heart of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. It housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). It was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a thick veil.
“*But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.*” — Hebrews 9:7 (NIV)
The strict access was a powerful symbol: God is holy, and sin creates a barrier between humanity and His presence.
2. The Veil: Separation Between God and Man
The veil wasn’t just a curtain; it was a theological boundary. It signified that sinful humanity could not stand before a holy God without mediation and sacrifice. It reminded Israel daily of both God’s glory and their need for atonement.
“*Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.*” — Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)
The entire sacrificial system existed because of this separation, but it was never meant to be permanent.
3. Jesus: The New and Living Way
When Jesus died on the cross, something miraculous happened:
“*At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.*” — Matthew 27:51 (NIV)
This was not just a dramatic sign—it was a divine declaration. The death of Christ opened the way to the presence of God for all who believe. No more veil. No more annual sacrifices. The barrier was destroyed by His blood.
“*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 opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…*” — Hebrews 10:19-20 (NIV)
Jesus is both our High Priest and sacrifice, forever changing how we approach God.
4. From Ritual to Relationship
Before Christ, worship was about distance and procedure. Now, it’s about relationship and access. We don’t stand outside trembling—we come boldly, not because of our righteousness, but His.
“*Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.*” — Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
This access should lead us to reverence, not complacency. The God we now approach boldly is still holy. But now, we come as children, not strangers.
5. The Holy of Holies in Us
Under the New Covenant, God does not dwell in temples made by hands. He dwells in us.
“*Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?*” — 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)
This is stunning. The same presence that dwelled between the cherubim above the Ark now lives in believers. You don’t go to the Holy of Holies—you are the Holy of Holies. God has made His home in you.
Conclusion: Live Like the Veil Is Torn
The Holy of Holies teaches us about God’s holiness, our former separation, and the incredible access purchased through Christ. The veil is torn. The door is open. You are invited in.
So how should we live?
- With boldness, because we have access to God.
- With reverence, because that access came at the cost of blood.
- With obedience, because the presence of God dwells in us now.
Don’t live like the veil is still there. Enter in. Stay close. You belong in the presence of God.
Key Bible Verses Recap
- Hebrews 9:7 – Only the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year.
- Isaiah 59:2 – Sin separates us from God.
- Matthew 27:51 – The veil torn when Jesus died.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 – Jesus opened the way into the Most Holy Place.
- Hebrews 4:16 – We can now approach God’s throne with confidence.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
