My email inbox is full of life-changing opportunities. In each email, someone promises me a solution to all of life’s problems. Most of the messages have a subject line that starts with “Free Trial” or “Full Access Granted.” They are all lures to get me hooked on their products and more importantly to get my money. When Jesus dies on the cross part of the deal was that we were granted full access to His Father with no strings attached.
Matthew 27:51
Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.
Earth Shaking
Jesus’ death set off a chain reaction of events. The curtain that surrounded the Holy of Holies was torn in two, there was an earthquake, and rocks literally split in two. Everyone in Jerusalem that day knew it was a response to the death of Jesus Christ. God made it very clear to all present that Jesus was his son.
Access Granted
The tabernacle, which represented the presence of God, was now open. There was a curtain that separated the holy place from the most sacred place. Priests were only allowed to enter here once a year to offer sacrifices. Now it was open, and full access was granted to everyone who believed in Jesus Christ. We don’t need a priest to access him anymore.
The Rocks Responded
The earth also quaked and the rocks split. I have to think that this is earth’s response to Christ entering the grave. Spurgeon said;“Men’s hearts did not respond to the agonizing cries of the dying Redeemer, but the rocks responded: the rocks were rent. “He did not die for rocks; yet rocks were more tender than the hearts of men, for whom he shed his blood.”
Conclusion
When Christ died on the cross the debt of our sin was paid, eternal life was given to all who believe in him, and full access was granted to God once again. We can go directly to him. We don’t need anyone else to be the middleman. Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”