Qualified to Enter: Understanding God's Presence Through the Blood of Christ

This sermon explores the profound biblical truth about entering God's presence by tracing the theme from the Old Testament tabernacle system through to Christ's work in the new covenant. The message emphasizes that God's holy presence has always been dangerous to sinful humanity, requiring specific qualifications for entrance. Under the old covenant, elaborate preparations, priestly garments, and animal sacrifices were necessary. However, through Jesus Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, believers are now qualified to enter God's presence—not through their own efforts, but through Christ's mediating work. 

Key Points:

 - God's presence is holy, pure, and dangerous to sinful humanity—this truth spans both Old and New Testaments

 - The Old Testament tabernacle system demonstrates the serious preparations required to approach God, including special garments, consecration rituals, and blood sacrifices

 - The first covenant required repeated animal sacrifices that could not permanently purify the conscience

 - Jesus Christ serves as the great High Priest who entered the true heavenly presence of God with His own blood

Application: Christ's sacrifice was offered once and is effective for all time, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the old system. Because of this, believers are clothed in white robes made clean by the blood of the Lamb and the new qualification to enter God's presence comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not through any human effort or achievement.