The reality of our shortcomings produces in us a lack of confidence, even a fear, at the thought of meeting God. What will He do with me? I have fallen short of His holiness. What will He do with me?  If that were the whole story, my shortcomings and His holiness, then indeed you and I would have reason to fear meeting Him. But there is a fantastic truth - God settled the problem in His Son.

Using the image of the Old Testament temple with its holy place, the author of the book of Hebrews said,

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh…” Hebrews 10:19-20

In contrast to the fear that you and I should feel at the thought of meeting God, of entering the holy place, the writer says that “we have confidence.” How can that be? One reason only - “the blood of Jesus.”

You see, Jesus suffered in His body the punishment that you and I deserve. He took away the reason for God’s displeasure in us. He gained forgiveness for us. We couldn’t do it on our own. He did it for us.

So, when I die, I will enter into God’s presence depending upon the death of God’s Son for me. If that death was truly enough to take away the guilt of my sin, then God will accept me joyfully into His presence. (And of course, it was enough!) I’m in Christ - so I enter the holy place with confidence.

This truth is so precious that it bursts forth in song from those who comprehend it!

Charles Wesley, sang “Arise, My Soul, Arise”

Arise, my soul, arise. Shake off they guilty fears.
The bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on His hands.

And Augustus Toplady wrote and sang “Rock of Ages”

Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
helpless, look to Thee for grace;

Elvina Hall penned, “Jesus Paid It All”

For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim -
I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv’rys Lamb.
And when before the throne I stand in Him Complete,
‘Jesus died my soul to save,’ my lips shall still repeat.

And the singing has gone on for ages, new songs are written and sung from the heart of forgiven people each generation - and will be forever.

Perhaps today, you should sing too!