Matthew 27:51-66
1. The death of Christ gave us the freedom of relationship in a better temple.
Lev. 16:1-6, 16-17
a. The temple and its curtain symbolize genuine but also limited and repeated access of sinners before a holy God.
Heb. 9:1-15
b. The tearing of the curtain symbolizes the finished work of one sacrifice that truly expunges sin permanently, not simply covering it for a year.
2. Forgiveness of sins is a completed action, not only a promised future action.
3. We can boldly approach the throne of grace in prayer.
Heb. 4:16
4. The former, temporary mode of the approach of sinners to a holy God revealed differences and divisions among peoples.
Eph. 2:12-14
I did not open the way upward, God opened the way downward!
5. God will act as the Creator in a re-creative way.
6a. God’s people are preparing to tell the story of the good news.
6b. God’s enemies prepare to fill others ears with false news.
1Cor. 15:1-10
7. Resisting human schemes proves God’s purpose all the more clearly.
