A Greater Intimacy Under Grace
The veil is torn—the way is open. We dwell in the light of His presence.
✍🏼 Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
📸 Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection from Bob Hoekstra draws our hearts into the extraordinary access we now have to the intimate presence of God—not once a year, not through a select few, but daily and personally through Christ. Under the old covenant, the Holy of Holies—the place of God's manifest presence—was separated by a veil. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, bearing blood for the sins of the people. The law allowed for structured service, sacred rituals, and symbolic closeness, but not daily personal nearness.
But now, under the new covenant of grace, that veil has been torn. The blood of Jesus has opened a “new and living way” so that every believer may draw near. This is no longer a privilege of the few, but the inheritance of all who are in Christ. We are not merely called to serve in the outer chambers—we are invited to commune in the innermost place, where mercy meets majesty and where intimacy replaces distance.
Grace has brought us into something better: not merely duties to perform, but fellowship to enjoy. We now approach not with hesitation, but with boldness—because Jesus, our High Priest and our very life, has made the way open. This is the holy ground we stand upon daily: not a physical temple, but the spiritual reality of union with the Living God.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You no longer stand in outer courts, hoping for nearness. I have torn the veil, removed the barrier, and invited you into the very place where I dwell. My presence is no longer concealed behind rituals or robes—it is revealed in Christ, who is your access, your righteousness, and your rest.
Do not live as though you are far off. I have brought you near by the blood of Jesus. The mercy seat is no longer hidden—it resides within you, for My Spirit has made you My temple. The old order has passed away; behold, all things are new. You need not wait for the right moment or the right man to approach Me. You are welcome now, always.
This intimacy is not earned. It is gifted. It is not based on your performance, but on My promise. Come boldly—not arrogantly, but confidently—because the One who calls you to draw near has already drawn near to you. In Christ, you are already accepted, already beloved, already home. The Holy of Holies is no longer a place you visit; it is the relationship in which you abide.
Live from this place. Rest in My presence. Speak with Me freely, walk with Me intimately, and let My glory be the atmosphere of your daily life. The curtain is gone. Come in.
Scriptures referenced: Hebrews 9:1–7, 9:11–12, 10:19–20; Ephesians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 15:9
🧺 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like stepping through a door that was once locked and guarded, only to find out the key had been in your pocket the whole time. You didn’t earn your way in—you simply used what had already been given. And now, the room you once longed to peek into has become your daily dwelling place.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that I no longer linger outside the veil. Because of Jesus, I live in the reality of Your presence. I rejoice that I have been brought near, not by merit, but by mercy. I walk in today knowing I am welcomed—not as a servant unsure of his standing, but as a beloved child resting in grace. Thank You for making the Holy of Holies my home in Christ.