Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience God's presence in a tangible way? To feel transported into the very throne room of heaven itself? This isn't just wishful thinking - it's actually possible for every believer to access God's throne room and experience His presence.
God's Greatest Desire: To Dwell Among His People
One of God's greatest desires is to dwell among His people 24/7. This isn't a new concept - it's been His heart from the very beginning. When Jesus declared "I will never leave you nor forsake you" and promised to be with us "till the end of the age," He was expressing this fundamental desire of the Father.
The challenge isn't God's availability - it's our approach. Many people try to relate to God on their own terms, saying things like "I approach God this way" or "I see God as this." While these sentiments sound good, they don't align with how God has revealed Himself to us.
The Old Testament Blueprint: Understanding the Tabernacle
To understand how to access God's throne room, we need to look at the Old Testament pattern. In Exodus 25:8, God told Moses: "Have them build a sanctuary for me so that I may dwell amongst them." This sanctuary was to be built exactly according to the heavenly pattern - a replica of heaven's tabernacle on earth.
The Three Compartments of God's Dwelling Place
The tabernacle was divided into three distinct areas, each representing a different level of access to God's presence:
1. The Way - The Only Entrance
There was only one entrance to the tabernacle, called "the Way." This wasn't like a highway with multiple on-ramps - there was literally only one way in. Jesus later declared, "I am the Way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."
This requires humility to accept. A proud person will never accept that Jesus is the only way, preferring to think their good works or personal path will suffice. But God's design allows for only one entrance.
2. The Court - Where Praise Begins
Once through the Way, you entered the court, which contained several important elements:
- Slaughter tables where sacrificial animals were killed
- A brazen laver (water basin) for washing
- An altar where the sacrifices were burned, sending a fragrant aroma to God
The Bible says "enter His courts with praise," and this praise acknowledges that Christ was the Lamb of God slaughtered for us. Here we're cleansed by God's word and our worship becomes a sweet fragrance ascending to heaven.
Here's a crucial truth: You don't praise God only when He's been good to you. You praise Him for what He has already done through Christ, regardless of your circumstances.
3. The Holy Place - Where Priests Minister
Not everyone moved beyond the court. Only priests entered the second compartment, the holy place, separated from the court by a thin veil. Here we find:
- The altar of incense (representing prayer)
- The table of showbread
- The lampstand providing light
As believers, we are all called to be priests - a royal priesthood. Our role is to offer sacrifices of praise and to minister to the Lord through prayer. Real prayer isn't complaining or asking God to rubber-stamp our plans. It's seeking God's will and praying "let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
4. The Most Holy Place - The Throne Room
The third compartment was separated by a thick veil. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. If he entered at any other time or made a mistake in the procedure, he would die. They even tied a chain around his leg so they could pull out his body if necessary.
In this sacred space sat the ark of the covenant with the mercy seat, where God's presence dwelt. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of sacrificed animals seven times on the mercy seat to atone for the people's sins for one year.
The Game-Changer: When Jesus Died
Everything changed when Jesus died on the cross. Matthew 27:50-51 tells us that when Jesus yielded up His spirit, "the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." This wasn't a small tear - it was completely ripped apart, from top to bottom, indicating God Himself tore it open.
This tearing of the veil meant that access to God's throne room was now available to everyone. Christ made "a new and living way" - you don't need anyone else to lead you there or pay someone to take you. The access is direct and personal.
Breaking Mental Barriers
Sometimes there's still a veil on our minds that prevents us from believing we truly have access. The enemy places veils on people's hearts to prevent them from hearing the truth and receiving the light of the gospel. That mental veil must be lifted through hearing and believing God's word.
How to Approach the Throne Room Today
Hebrews 4:15-16 gives us the key to accessing God's throne room: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Come Boldly, Not Timidly
The word "boldly" doesn't mean arrogantly - it means with confidence and assurance. This boldness comes from knowing that despite our weaknesses, there is access for us. Despite where we've been and what we've done, there is still access.
God doesn't deal with timid people. Throughout Scripture, when He calls someone, He tells them not to focus on their limitations but to step forward in confidence.
What You'll Find in the Throne Room
When you access God's throne room, you'll find two essential things:
Mercy
Mercy means not getting the punishment you deserve. You may have done wrong, but mercy says you won't be punished for it. This mercy isn't based on your performance - it's based entirely on Christ's sacrifice.
Grace
Grace means receiving what you don't deserve. While mercy withholds punishment, grace gives you blessings and favor you haven't earned. It's "grace to help in time of need" - an appropriate blessing coming at just the right time.
The Right Time Factor
God's timing is perfect. Sometimes we question why He didn't act when we thought He should, but there is a "right time" that He has set. When that right time comes, no demon in hell, no work, no principality, and no power of the enemy can deny it.
When God opens a door at the right time, no one can shut it. When He closes it, no one can open it. The key is not missing your right time and walking into it when it comes.
Life Application
This week, practice accessing God's throne room daily. Start by acknowledging Jesus as the only Way to the Father. Enter His courts with praise - not because of your circumstances, but because of what Christ has already done for you. Move into prayer that seeks God's will rather than trying to convince Him to bless your plans.
Approach boldly, knowing that your access isn't based on your performance but on Christ's finished work. Come with your weaknesses honestly, knowing that Jesus sympathizes with them. Expect to receive mercy for your failures and grace for your needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I trying to access God through my own good works, or am I relying solely on Jesus as the Way?
- Do I praise God only when things are going well, or do I offer sacrifices of praise regardless of my circumstances?
- When I pray, am I seeking God's will or trying to get Him to approve my plans?
- Am I approaching God timidly because of my weaknesses, or boldly because of Christ's sacrifice?
- Am I trusting God's timing, or am I frustrated because things aren't happening when I think they should?
Remember, the veil has been torn. The throne room is accessible. Step in boldly and experience the presence, mercy, and grace of your heavenly Father.
