“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off
have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
(Ephesians 2:13, NASB)
Before the cross, the veil hung heavy between man and God—a solemn reminder of our sin, our distance, and our unworthiness. The Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwelt, was forbidden to all but one. And even then, only once a year could the high priest enter, bearing blood, trembling before the mercy seat.
But now the veil is gone. “The way is open, and you have boldness to enter; but not without the blood of Jesus.”[1]
By the torn body and spilt blood of Christ, entrance into the presence of God has been opened. The Son of God, our perfect High Priest, entered not with the blood of bulls and goats, but with His own blood, once for all. The wrath of God has been satisfied. The wall that separated has been torn down. The veil was rent from top to bottom by God Himself.
No longer must we stand afar off. We have been brought near. No longer do we approach in fear. We come with boldness. No longer are we turned away. We are welcomed by grace.
This nearness is not temporary. It is not fragile. It is not uncertain. It is sealed in the covenant by the blood of Christ, confirmed by His resurrection, and guaranteed by His intercession, for He ever lives to make intercession for us. His nail-scarred hands are the continual proof that our access is purchased and preserved.
Let us therefore not take lightly this privilege we have that was purchased at such a cost. And let us not live as though the veil still remains. We are invited to draw near—to behold His glory, to delight in His presence, to find joy and strength at His throne.
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore,” (Psalm 16:11). And by Christ, we are brought near.
Contemplations:
- I Praise You for the Blood That Brought Me Near. Lord, I was once far off—lost in sin and separated from You. But by the blood of Christ I have been brought near. Thank You for granting me access to Your presence through Him.
- I Worship You for Tearing the Veil. When Jesus died, the veil was torn from top to bottom by Your hand. No longer am I shut out. I rejoice that through Christ, I may come boldly, not just occasionally, but always. Your throne is my refuge and joy.
- I Marvel That You Dwell with Sinners Made Clean. What a wonder that You invite me to dwell with You. In Christ, I am welcomed not as a stranger, but as a son. I praise You that nothing can separate me from Your love.
- I Adore You for the Glory of Nearness. Nearness to You, O Lord, is my good. There is no greater gift, no deeper joy, no higher calling. Thank You for bringing me close and keeping me by Your grace.
Prayer
[Adoration for Mercy]
Holy and Exalted God, how can I begin to adore You rightly for what You have done? You, who dwell in unapproachable light, have torn the veil and opened the way. You, who are holy beyond my highest thought, have invited me—once unclean, once far off—to come near. And not by my merit, not by my works, but by the blood of Your Son. Blessed be Your name!
I praise You for the mercy that planned it. I adore You for the grace that accomplished it. And I stand in awe of the power that secured it. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, has made the way. The cross was not just the end of His life—it was the beginning of mine. Because of Him, I do not tremble in fear, but I come before You with confidence. Because of Him, I do not wander as one lost but draw near as one loved.
Father, let me never forget the cost of this access. Let my heart burn with reverence and joy every time I remember that the veil is gone. Let this truth sink deeply—that I may speak with You, walk with You, delight in You. You are not far. You are here. Near to the brokenhearted. Near to the humble. Near to all who come by the blood of the Lamb.
Cause me to hunger for this nearness more than all else. When I awake, let my first thought be toward Your throne. When I lie down, let my last thought rest in Your presence. Teach me what it means to abide, to linger, to live with a heart that stays near.
And if I begin to follow at a distance, call me back. If I lose sight of the torn veil, remind me of Your flesh that was torn for me. If I take for granted what Christ has purchased, stir my soul to holy sorrow and lead me to fresh adoration. Let me never forget that this access was not cheap; it was bought with the blood of the precious, spotless Lamb of God.
I praise You, O God, for bringing me near. In Your presence is joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. And in Your Son, I dwell with You—now and always.
To the God who tore the veil, who welcomes sinners, and who fills the sanctuary with glory, be praise and honor forever.
In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Ephesians 2:13
Ephesians 1:7, 2:16; Exodus 12:44; Leviticus 23:19; Romans 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:11.
[1] C. H. Spurgeon, “The Rent Veil,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 34 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1888), 178.
