Here is the revelation that is shaping my life today- I either know myself as perfectly holy in the sight of God or I will never enter His presence.
Hebrews 10:14,18-20 TPT
[14] And by his one perfect sacrifice, he made us perfectly holy and complete for all time! [18] So if our sins have been forgiven and forgotten, why would we ever need to offer another sacrifice for sin? [19] And now we are brothers and sisters in God’s family because of the blood of Jesus, and he welcomes us to come right into the most holy sanctuary in the heavenly realm-boldly and with no hesitation. [20] For he has dedicated a new, life-giving way for us to approach God. For just as the veil was torn in two, Jesus’ body was torn open to give us free and fresh access to him!
Observation
It’s hard to see myself as “perfectly holy and complete for all time.” The invitation to understand myself through Jesus and not through the lens of my performance is difficult to hold at all times. I have to chose the voice that I will shape my life upon. The declaration of God over me, or the declaration of the systems of the world. I am what I am based either on what I do, or I am what I am based on what Jesus has done for me. The two contradict I must make the decision and shape my life accordingly. So I choose, perfectly holy, complete, sins forgiven and forgotten – this will be the shaping story for my life.
And now, because of this story, I will receive and take my full place in the family of God, and I will “come right into the most holy sanctuary in the heavenly realm-boldly and with no hesitation.” I will approach God with free, bold access, hearing His declaration of ‘perfect,’ and invitation of ‘beloved son.’ Here is what I know – if I can’t receive the first invitation I will never enter into the second. If I can’t receive ‘perfect’ I will never enter God’s presence. And it is only from His presence does the life of the Kingdom become known to me, and enabled in me.
Here is the real battle. The enemy of God wants to keep me under the condemnation and burden of my sin because then I will never enter into His presence and live out His kingdom life. This is why shame and condemnation and disqualification are so loud and hit me with such powerful venom of ‘you are too bad to come near God.’ But to listen to this voice is to deny the cross, it’s to disregard and destroy the most precious and expensive gift ever given.
Application
This is the battle for my life – I will receive my freedom, declare my perfect holiness in the middle of my sin, and come boldly in. I will receive my sonship and enter freely into the presence of my heavenly dad. Never again will the voices of shame and condemnation be given any shaping voice in my life, they will lead me only to gratitude and praise of what Jesus has done. They will be the voice that reminds me of the goodness of God not the assault of the enemy. I will turn this sword against him.
Response
Thank you for making it possible to come into your intimate presence. There is no way I could earn or deserve this. Thank you that you cover me in your perfect holiness so that when I come I can enjoy you and not be apologising continually for my poor performance. Thank you that you have forgiven and forgotten my sin before I enter the door. I will celebrate every moment of being with you. I will enjoy and take great pleasure in you. I am blessed for life.
Meditation
Are you winning this battle in your life?
When you come into God’s presence how do you feel? Is it your failings that haunt you or is it his goodness and pleasure that you encounter?
JOURNEY DEEPER
