What does Hebrews 9:3 teach about God's presence and our access through Christ?

Setting the Scene: The Inner Sanctuary Behind the Curtain

“Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,” (Hebrews 9:3)

• The tabernacle had two veils; the second concealed the chamber where God’s glory rested above the ark (Exodus 26:33).

• Only the high priest stepped behind it, only once a year, “not without blood” (Hebrews 9:7; Leviticus 16:15).

• God warned, “I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat” (Leviticus 16:2). Holiness demanded separation.

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The Curtain—A Divinely Designed Barrier

• Absolute holiness: sin cannot stand in His presence (Isaiah 59:2).

• Blood required: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).

• Restricted access: one man, one day, then the veil closed again.

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Christ—The Curtain Fulfilled and Torn Open

• “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12).

• At His death “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51).

• The veil pictured Christ’s flesh; when His body was torn, “a new and living way” opened (Hebrews 10:20).

• Now “through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18).

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Enjoying Full Access Today

• “Draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).

• Enter “boldly to the throne of grace” for help anytime (Hebrews 4:16).

• Live daily where only the high priest once stood—God’s very presence (1 Peter 2:9; John 14:23).

Hebrews 9:3 shows God’s holiness once hidden and guarded, but through Christ the barrier is gone; the way to the Father stands permanently open.