The Difference Between Entering the Presence of God Before Jesus and After Jesus

Introduction

The concept of entering the presence of God has undergone a remarkable transformation from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Before Jesus, the process was marked by stringent rituals, exclusive access limited to the High Priest alone, and an overwhelming sense of distance. After Jesus, however, access to God's presence became a gift freely available to all who believe in Him. This difference reflects the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Christ, bridging the gap between a Holy God and sinful humanity. For today’s believers, understanding this shift not only deepens our appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice but also reshapes how we approach our relationship with God. Let’s explore these contrasts, supported by scripture from the Amplified Classic Bible (AMPC), and their implications for Christians today.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Before Jesus: Restricted Access Through Ritual and Mediators

In the Old Testament, entering the presence of God was limited to a select few under specific conditions. The tabernacle and later the temple served as sacred spaces where God’s Glory or Presence dwelled, but access to His Presence was restricted. This was particularly evident in the Day of Atonement, a ritual detailed in Leviticus 16:2 (AMPC):

"The Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron your brother, he must not come at all times into the Holy of Holies within the veil before the mercy seat upon the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat."

Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, with strict instructions and sacrifices required for atonement. The seriousness of these rituals underscored God's holiness and humanity’s sinfulness, emphasizing the separation between God and man.

This separation was further illustrated in Exodus 19:12-13 (AMPC), when God instructed the Israelites at Mount Sinai: "And you shall set bounds for the people round about, saying, Take heed that you go not up into the mountain or touch the border of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. No hand shall touch it [or the offender], but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows; whether beast or man, he shall not live."

God's holiness was so overwhelming that even touching the mountain where His presence descended resulted in death. This demonstrates the need for a mediator, such as Moses, to represent the people before God. The Old Covenant revealed humanity’s inability to draw near to God without an intermediary and a blood sacrifice.

After Jesus: Open Access Through Grace and Faith

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection redefined how believers approach God. His sacrifice tore down the barriers that once separated humanity from the Presence of God. This is beautifully symbolized in Matthew 27:50-51 (AMPC): "And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. And at once the curtain of the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split."

The tearing of the temple curtain signified that the way into the Holy of Holies—the very presence of God—was now open to all who believe in Christ. Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law, becoming both the perfect High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice for sin. As stated in Hebrews 10:19-22 (AMPC): "Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, And since we have [such] a great and wonderful and noble Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith."

Through Jesus, believers are no longer bound by rituals or intermediaries to access God. The relationship is now personal, intimate, and based on grace rather than works. This is confirmed in Ephesians 2:18 (AMPC): "For it is through Him that we both [whether far off or near] now have an introduction (access) by one [Holy] Spirit to the Father [so that we are able to approach Him]."

Relevance to Today’s Believers

For believers today, the shift from restricted to open access to God’s presence has transformative implications. First, it reminds us of the incredible privilege we now have to approach God freely, as stated in Hebrews 4:16 (AMPC): "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]."

Second, it calls us to live in a constant state of worship and communion with God. Unlike Old Testament believers who relied on priests to intercede, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, enabling direct fellowship with the Father. Finally, it challenges us to share this good news with others, knowing that Jesus’ sacrifice has made salvation available to all.

Summary

The difference between entering God’s presence before and after Jesus reveals the magnitude of His redemptive work. Under the Old Covenant, access was limited, exclusive, and reliant on rituals and intermediaries. In contrast, the New Covenant, established by Jesus, grants believers unrestricted access to God’s presence through grace and faith. For today’s Christians, this transformation is a profound reminder of God’s love and a call to cherish and utilize the privilege of direct communion with Him. As we boldly approach His throne of grace, let us rejoice in the freedom and intimacy made possible by Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest.

If You have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!

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