Moving On to Perfection

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection.” — Hebrews 6:1

It appears the author wants the readers to understand that Christ is the absolute, supreme fulfillment above all else. Onto perfection means moving from childhood (a basic knowledge of God) to a deeper kind of knowing and ultimately discovering the fullness of our new nature in Christ. A sort of spiritual progression, if you will.

The Old Testament Teaches This Kind of Progression

The Temple

Gate “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Outer Court Animal sacrifices (Jesus—the Lamb sacrifice).

First Room (Holy Place)

• Shewbread — A picture of Jesus, often referred to as the Bread of Life—a sacrifice for us.

• Burning Lampstand — Christ, the Light of the World.

• Offering of Incense — Continuous prayer and a picture of Jesus as our Mediator. Christ’s intercession on our behalf is a sweet‑smelling savor to God.

The first and second rooms were divided by a veil. Only the high priest was allowed to enter this room once a year—sometimes at the risk of death. It was the most sacred, holy place. The veil signified a barrier between man and God.

The Second Room — The Holy of Holies

The veil and the elaborate rituals undertaken by the priest were reminders that man could not carelessly or irreverently enter God’s awesome presence. Before the high priest entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, he had to wash himself, put on special clothing, bring burning incense to let the smoke cover his eyes from a direct view of God, and bring sacrificial blood with him to make atonement for sins.

But then something significant happened surrounding the day of the crucifixion—the veil was torn from top to bottom, signifying a supernatural event from above. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, man was no longer separated from God. Today we have been given the privilege to dwell in the most sacred room—in the very presence of God.

Lingering in the Courtyard

Yet so many of us never make it past the courtyard. We are perfectly content to remain in the outer courtyard with no desire to ever enter into the Holy of Holies. And so God waits—ever so gently and ever so patiently.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20

God often spoke of David as a man after His own heart because David desired to know God.

David’s Declaration — Psalm 27:4–5

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Prayer: Lord, lead us beyond the outer courts of familiarity and into the deeper places of Your presence. Stir in us a holy desire to know You—not just in part, but in the fullness made possible through Christ. Thank You for tearing the veil and inviting us into the Holy of Holies, where Your glory dwells and our hearts are transformed. Teach us to seek You like David did, to behold Your beauty, and to inquire in Your temple. Draw us closer day by day, and perfect us in the knowledge of who You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.