The Way Opened

The Cross of Christ isn’t merely a doctrine - it’s the foundation of faith itself. Move it off-centre and Christianity is hollow. Returning to the cross draws us back to what is central: Christ died, rose, and now invites us near. Hebrews 10 declares that we can boldly enter God’s presence because of the blood of Jesus - a new and living way opened through the curtain. If the presence of people can change an atmosphere, how much more the presence of the Creator?

The Veil Torn and Access Granted

In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies, sealed off by a thick veil - a merciful barrier between a holy God and sinful people. Only the high priest could enter, once a year, and only after careful sacrifices on the Day of Atonement. Jewish tradition even tells of bells sewn on the priest’s robe and a rope tied to his leg - if the bells fell silent, he was pulled out. This wasn’t cruelty; it was kindness. God is incorruptible; His holiness crushes what is unholy. He never lowers the standard.

The good news is that we do not live under that arrangement. Jesus is the Great High Priest who entered not the earthly temple but the greater, heavenly reality - with His own blood, once for all, securing eternal redemption. Through Him we are justified - “just as if I’d never sinned.” God doesn’t look at us through rose-coloured glasses but through the finished work of Christ. This is imputed righteousness - granted, bestowed, put upon us - so we are seen as righteous and without blemish. Romans 5 says we have been justified by His blood, reconciled to God, and saved through His life.

At the crucifixion, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. Heaven declared: access granted. The door is open. What once would have crushed us now welcomes us, because we have been prepared by the cross. As A.W. Tozer wrote, “The veil was rent, and the presence of God lay open to all, with nothing on God’s side to prevent us from entering.” The invitation is not on lay-by for the end of life; it is for now.

We so easily re-hang new veils - preferences about songs, styles, places, or moments. Some even live as though atonement still needs a final ten per cent of our own effort. But Jesus said, “It is finished.” Prayer is no longer a cry across distance but a direct conversation with a loving Father. Worship is no longer routine; it is a bold entrance into His throne room. The distance between us and God is not miles—it is the moment of faith.

Growing in the beauty of the cross also exposes the depth of our need. We placed Him there as surely as He laid down His own life. Yet even as we recognise the darkness of our sin, we discover that His love goes deeper still. We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope. Whatever guilt, hurt, or history we carry, what Christ has done outweighs it all. He didn’t say “finished-ish.” He said Finished.

Living from the Open Door

The cross has flung the door wide open. Don’t live as if a veil still stands. Step into the presence of God - confident, forgiven, and free. Let this reality reshape your everyday life: your home, your work, your thoughts, and your heart. The way is open. The invitation stands. Live in the nearness of God today.