Access Granted

Access Granted

1. The Old Covenant Sanctuary Was Worldly

Hebrews 9:1 introduces the earthly sanctuary of the old covenant. The tabernacle was established by God and served an important purpose, but it was never intended to be permanent. It was built by human hands, confined to a specific location, and designed for a particular season in God’s redemptive plan.

The earthly sanctuary pointed beyond itself to something greater. It prepared God's people for a better sanctuary and a better ministry. While the old covenant centered on an earthly place of worship, Jesus now ministers in the heavenly sanctuary in the very presence of God.

The old covenant sanctuary was temporary and earthly. The new covenant sanctuary is eternal and heavenly.

2. The Old Covenant Sanctuary Was Symbolic

Hebrews 9:2-5 describes the furnishings of the tabernacle and the powerful truths they represented.

The Lampstand Pointed to Christ

The golden lampstand provided light within the Holy Place. Yet its purpose extended beyond illumination. It pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the true Light of the World. The oil that fueled the lamps also reminds believers of the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ and illuminates spiritual truth.

The Bread of the Presence Pointed to Christ

The consecrated bread symbolized God's provision, fellowship, and covenant faithfulness. It ultimately pointed to Jesus, the Bread of Life, who alone satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul.

The Ark Pointed to God's Faithfulness

Inside the Ark of the Covenant were reminders of God's dealings with Israel:

• The manna reminded Israel of God's provision.

• Aaron's staff reminded Israel of God's appointed priesthood.

• The tablets reminded Israel of God's holy law.

Each item testified to God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history.

The Curtain Revealed Humanity's Need

The curtain separating the Most Holy Place served as a continual reminder that access to God's presence was restricted. It declared that God is holy, sin is serious, and sinners cannot casually enter His presence.

Every symbol within the tabernacle pointed beyond itself to Jesus Christ. The symbols were valuable, but they were never the destination. They existed to lead God's people to the Savior.

3. The Old Covenant Sanctuary Offered Limited Access

Hebrews 9:6-7 highlights the restrictions that existed under the old covenant.

Priests entered the Holy Place regularly to perform their duties, but access remained limited. The people could not approach God directly. They needed representatives to minister on their behalf.

Even the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place only once each year. He entered with sacrificial blood and first had to offer sacrifices for his own sins because he was a sinner like everyone else.

The entire system communicated a powerful message: access to God remained restricted.

The old covenant priesthood pointed forward to a greater High Priest. Jesus is not simply a better priest. He is the final Priest. Unlike every Levitical priest, He is sinless. Unlike every previous sacrifice, His sacrifice is sufficient. Through Him, lasting forgiveness is available and access to God is opened.

4. The Old Covenant Sanctuary Was Temporary

Hebrews 9:8 explains that the Holy Spirit was teaching through the structure and function of the tabernacle itself.

The tabernacle was more than a place of worship. It was a living illustration designed by God to reveal humanity's need for a greater sacrifice, a greater priest, and greater access.

The Holy Spirit preached through every part of the system.

The Sacrifices Pointed to Christ's Sacrifice

The continual offerings revealed the need for a final sacrifice capable of fully dealing with sin.

The Priesthood Pointed to Christ's Priesthood

Every priest served as a reminder that humanity needed a perfect mediator.

The Curtain Pointed to the Barrier Christ Would Remove

The separation between God and humanity highlighted the need for reconciliation.

The Most Holy Place Pointed to Access Through Christ

The restricted access demonstrated that a greater way into God's presence was still to come.

From beginning to end, Scripture tells one unified story. Jesus was never a backup plan. From the very beginning, God's purpose was to redeem sinners through Christ.

The old covenant sanctuary was temporary. Jesus Christ lives forever and ministers at the right hand of God.

5. The Old Covenant Sanctuary Could Not Change the Heart

Hebrews 9:9-10 reveals the greatest limitation of the old covenant system.

The sacrifices, ceremonies, washings, and regulations could address outward uncleanness, but they could not cleanse the conscience. They could not transform the inner person. They could not remove guilt.

The old covenant pointed forward to the arrival of Christ and the new order He would establish.

Jesus Provides True Cleansing

Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus accomplishes what the old covenant never could. He provides full forgiveness and genuine cleansing.

Jesus Cleanses the Conscience

A guilty conscience reminds people of past failures. It replays old sins and carries the weight of shame. No amount of self-improvement, religious activity, or good works can erase that burden.

Jesus does more than forgive sin. He removes the condemnation that accompanies it. Through His sacrifice, believers are freed from guilt and can confidently draw near to God.

The old covenant said, "You cannot come all the way in."

The cross says, "Through Jesus, the way is open."

Living in the Reality of Access Granted

Because of Jesus, We Don't Work for God's Approval; We Live From It

When failure, guilt, shame, or spiritual struggle arise, the answer is not to try harder. The answer is to draw nearer to God.

Christ has already opened the way.

The old covenant managed sin. Jesus removes it.

Access to God Is Not Earned; It Is Received

God is not waiting for people to earn their way into His presence. Through Jesus, the invitation has already been extended.

The question is not whether the door is open.

The question is whether a person will trust Christ and walk through it.

Do Not Allow Shame to Imprison Who Jesus Has Set Free

Many people continue serving sentences that Christ has already satisfied.

Jesus carried guilt, shame, condemnation, and sin to the cross. Those who trust in Him have been forgiven, restored, and given a new standing before God.

John 8:36 declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Freedom in Christ is not partial, temporary, or imaginary. It is real. Believers are called to live confidently in that freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The old covenant sanctuary pointed forward to a better reality. Through Jesus Christ, access has been granted.

Key Takeaway

Don't let your bad works keep you from God, and don't let your good works convince you that you're drawing near to Him.

Access to God is not based on personal performance. It is based entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Ross Owens
Series: Greater Than
Sermon Title: Access Granted
Date: June 21, 2026

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Hebrews 9:1-10

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