How do we know that we are accepted by God? This is the universal religious question. Where such a relationship is claimed to be possible on the basis of good deeds, the question remains: 'Have I done enough good?' The Old Testament Law gave an assurance that if the High Priest returned after taking the blood of atonement into the Most Holy Place, then God had accepted the sacrifice (Leviticus 16:17). The resurrection of Jesus gives the same assurance (Romans 4:24-25). And His ascension into heaven gives us even greater confidence (Hebrews 4:14).

The Law was only a picture of how we can relate to God. The tabernacle, and the temple which was modelled on it, were not heaven. The gap between earth and heaven is huge, as is the holiness gap between the priests and God. But Jesus has not only bridged that gap, He perpetually lives in the real sanctuary which is the presence of Father God. There, Jesus continually mediates for us, presenting His own blood as the atonement for every sin (Hebrews 12:24).

There is no gap between the Father and the Son. The communication is intimate and immediate. Our Great High Priest is also our personal mediator and advocate (1 John 2:1-2). He, who was previously the chief executive of creation, is now in the place of authority and power – sustaining all things, including us, by His powerful hand (Hebrews 1:3). That should give us great confidence that we are accepted by God as we put our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:19-23 proclaims that confidence: "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. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." We have every reason to be confident that we will be accepted, as we bring our sin and failure to Him. Forgiveness is certain, a welcome assured, because Christ's mediation continues to be fully effective and Father God is completely satisfied to look on Christ and pardon us.