What role do "two doors" play in understanding God's holiness and accessibility? Setting the Scene—Ezekiel 41:23-24 “Both the outer sanctuary and the Most Holy Place had double doors. Each door had two swinging leaves—two leaves for one door and two for the other.” Why Two Doors Matter • Two distinct doorways mark two distinct spaces: – Outer Sanctuary (Holy Place) – Inner Sanctuary (Most Holy Place) • God visually teaches that He is both approachable (there is a door) and utterly holy (there is another door). Door One—Invitation without Irreverence • The outer door welcomed priests to minister daily—lampstand, bread, incense (Exodus 26:33-35). • It pictured God’s desire to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8). • Yet it stopped short of full access, reminding all that sin still separates (Isaiah 59:2). Door Two—Separation that Protects • The inner door guarded the Most Holy Place, entered only once a year by the high priest with atoning blood (Leviticus 16:2, 34). • This second barrier protected sinful humanity from the consuming purity of God’s presence (Habakkuk 1:13). • Two doors therefore proclaimed: “Come closer—but only by My appointed way.” From Two Doors to One Door—Christ • Jesus declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved…” (John 10:9). • At His death “the veil of the temple was torn in two” (Matthew 27:51), effectively opening the inner door permanently. • Hebrews 10:19-22 affirms we now “enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,” turning the former two-door system into a single, living doorway. Living the Lesson Today • Reverence: Approach God mindful that His holiness has not diminished. • Confidence: Enter freely because the sacrifice of Christ has flung the inner door wide open. • Mission: Point others to the only Door who ushers people from outer courts into God’s very presence (Acts 4:12). |
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