ENTERING THE MOST HOLY PLACE: A CALL TO PURITY AND CONSECRATION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-22
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
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INTRODUCTION
The Most Holy Place represents the intimate presence of God, where only those who are pure in heart may enter. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter this sacred space once a year to atone for the sins of the people. However, through Jesus Christ, all believers now have access to God’s presence. Yet, this privilege comes with great responsibility. Those who approach God must do so with reverence, holiness, and unwavering commitment. The call to enter the Most Holy Place is a call to purity, obedience, and a life fully surrendered to God.
In today’s world, many claim to be called by God, yet they live in compromise, flirting with the ways of the world. God does not take lightly the unfaithfulness of those who claim His name but choose to walk in disobedience. Just as in the days of old, when priests who went astray led the people into confusion and destruction, so today, those who do not walk uprightly will face divine judgment. This lesson serves as a warning and a call to remain steadfast in holiness, recognizing the gravity of drawing near to the presence of God.
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THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING CALLED INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Leviticus 10:1-2
"Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord."
God’s call to draw near to Him is not to be taken lightly. Those who come before Him must do so with fear and reverence, upholding His holiness. Nadab and Abihu, though chosen as priests, offered unauthorized fire and suffered immediate judgment. Today, many professing believers treat God’s presence casually, engaging in sinful practices while claiming to serve Him. However, God remains a consuming fire, requiring His people to uphold His standards.
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THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL ADULTERY
James 4:4
"You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
Many who are called by God fall into spiritual adultery by conforming to the ways of the world. They mix the holy with the profane, engaging in practices that defile their relationship with God. Just as Israel repeatedly turned to false gods and suffered divine punishment, those who claim to belong to Christ yet engage in compromise will face judgment. God demands full devotion and will not tolerate divided loyalty.
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FALSE MINISTERS AND THEIR JUDGMENT
2 Peter 2:1-3
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute."
In every generation, false ministers arise, seeking personal gain rather than serving God in truth. These individuals deceive many, exploiting them for financial or personal benefits while leading them away from righteousness. However, their judgment is certain, for God sees their deeds and will repay them accordingly. True believers must discern and separate themselves from such corrupt influences.
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE AND REBELLION
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Those who persist in disobedience and rebellion against God will ultimately face destruction. Many justify their sins, believing that grace will cover their transgressions, but scripture is clear—sin leads to death. Every believer must strive to live in obedience, recognizing that entering God’s presence requires purity and holiness.
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SUMMARY
The privilege of entering the Most Holy Place comes with great responsibility. God calls His people to holiness, separation from the world, and unwavering commitment to Him. Those who fail to uphold these standards risk falling into judgment. The warning against spiritual adultery, false ministers, and compromise must be heeded, for God will not be mocked.
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CONCLUSION
Drawing near to God is both an honor and a duty. Believers must approach Him with sincerity, integrity, and a heart free from defilement. In an age where compromise is rampant, those who choose to remain faithful will experience God’s favor and protection. However, those who embrace sin while claiming to serve Him will face judgment. Let us, therefore, strive to remain pure and obedient, honoring the privilege of being near to the heart of God.
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CALL TO ACTION
Evaluate your life and ask yourself if you are truly walking in holiness before God. Have you compromised with the world? Have you allowed false teachings to influence you? Now is the time to repent and fully surrender to God. Commit to living a life that honors Him and seek His presence with reverence and obedience.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
God is faithful to those who remain steadfast in Him. No matter the challenges and temptations, He provides the strength to overcome. Keep your heart pure, your motives right, and your devotion unwavering. The Most Holy Place is open to those who will come in truth and sincerity—remain faithful, and you will experience His glory.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again for my salvation. Today, I surrender my life to You. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and help me to live in righteousness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and guide me in the path of holiness. Thank You for Your grace and for welcoming me into Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
