Debra Miller

Entering God’s Presence

Author: Stephen Weller
4,997 words, 26 minutes read time

Page Index

Jerusalem Temple
- The Areas of the Jerusalem Temple & Who Could Enter Them
- Summary Table
Court of Gentiles
Court of Women
Altar of Sacrifice
Holy Place
Holy of Holies
Summary of Our Journey
Questions of Understanding for the Journey Into God’s Presence

Jerusalem Temple

The Jerusalem Temple was also referred to as the Second Temple or Herod’s Temple.

Diagram: Bible-History.com

As we seek God’s presence, the temple diagram becomes a meaningful parallel guide for our journey. We will begin in the outer court and move step by step toward the Holy of Holies. At each stopping point, we will pause to consider how we might prepare our hearts to draw closer to God. Each stage of this progression is developed in the sections that follow and is linked in the index above.

It is essential that we identify the specific areas of the temple and understand the qualifications required for entering each one.

The Areas of the Jerusalem Temple & Who Could Enter Them

1. Court of Gentiles (Diagram loc12)

Who could enter:

Everyone — Jews and Gentiles
Men, women, children
Foreigners and visitors

Purpose: This was the large outer area surrounding the inner courts. Teaching, buying and selling, and public gatherings happened here. This is where Jesus overturned the money changers’ tables.

2. Court of Women (Diagram loc9)

Who could enter:

All Jewish men and women
Gentiles were not allowed to enter here

Purpose: This was the main gathering area for Jewish worshipers. Women could go no farther into the inner courts. The treasury chests were located here.

3. Court of Israel – Men’s Court (Diagram loc6)

Who could enter:

Jewish men only
Women could not enter this area

Purpose: This was the place where Jewish men stood during sacrifices and observed the priestly ministry.

4. Court of the Priests (Diagram loc5)

Who could enter:

Priests only (descendants of Aaron)
Levites could assist but not enter all areas

Purpose: This court contained:

The bronze altar (for sacrifices)
The laver (for washing)
Access to the Holy Place

Only priests performing their duties could be here.

5. The Holy Place (Diagram loc3)

Who could enter:

Priests only
Specifically those on duty for that week

Purpose: This room contained:

The Lampstand
The Table of Showbread
The Altar of Incense

Priests entered daily to tend the lamps, replace the bread, and burn incense.

6. The Holy of Holies (Diagram loc1)

Who could enter:

Only the High Priest
Only once per year
Only on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Purpose: This was the most sacred space; the earthly symbol of God’s throne room. In Solomon’s Temple it contained the Ark of the Covenant; in Herod’s Temple the Ark was no longer present, but the room remained sacred.

Summary Table

Temple Area	Who Could Enter	Purpose
Court of the Gentiles	Everyone	Public teaching, gathering
Court of the Women	All Jews (men & women)	Worship, treasury
Court of Israel	Jewish men	Observe sacrifices
Court of the Priests	Priests only	Sacrificial ministry
Holy Place	Priests on duty	Lampstand, bread, incense
Holy of Holies	High Priest, once/year	God’s presence

Court of Gentiles

In the previous section, it was learned that Gentiles were restricted to the Court of the Gentiles, the large outer area surrounding the Temple complex. They could go no farther.

The boundary between the Court of the Gentiles and the inner courts was marked by a low stone barrier called the soreg. On it were warning inscriptions (several have been found archaeologically) that said:

No foreigner may enter within the balustrade… Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his death.

This was not symbolic; it was enforced.

Gentiles could not enter the temple because

They were not part of the covenant people of Israel.
The Temple purity laws restricted access to those in covenant relationship.
The inner courts represented increasing holiness and proximity to God’s presence.

This physical separation symbolized a spiritual separation; Gentiles were “far off” from the covenant people and the presence of God, but with the coming of Jesus, the presentation of the Gospel, and the death and resurrection of Jesus, one of the most beautiful shifts in all of Scripture occurred.

1. At Jesus’ death: the veil was torn

When Jesus died, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51).

This signified:

The old system of restricted access was finished
The barrier between God and humanity was removed
Access to God was no longer mediated by priests or temple courts

The tearing of the veil was God’s declaration: “The way into My presence is now open.”

2. Through the cross: Jesus removed the dividing wall

Paul explains this directly in Ephesians 2:13–14:

“You who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ… He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.”

This refers both to:

The spiritual barrier between God and humanity
The physical barrier in the Temple that kept Gentiles out

Jesus didn’t just open the door; He tore down the wall.

3. In the resurrection: a new Temple was formed

After the resurrection, God’s presence no longer dwelt in a building.

Instead:

Jesus became the true Temple (John 2:19–21)
Believers became the dwelling place of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)
The Church became a “holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21–22)

This means:

No outer courts
No restricted zones
No ethnic boundaries
No priestly caste

Every believer, Jew or Gentile, has equal access to God.

4. In Christ: Gentiles now have full access to the Father

Paul states this plainly:

Ephesians 2:18

“Through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”

Romans 10:12

“There is no distinction between Jew and Greek… the same Lord is Lord of all.”

Galatians 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The old boundaries are gone. The old courts are gone. The old restrictions are gone.

5. The New Covenant reality

Because of Jesus:

Gentiles are no longer “outsiders”
They are fellow citizens (Eph. 2:19)
They are members of God’s household
They are priests (1 Peter 2:9)
They have direct access to God’s presence

What Gentiles could never do in the Old Testament, enter the presence of God, they now do freely, boldly, and daily through Christ.

Summary

Old Covenant: Gentiles kept outside the Temple, far from God’s presence.
At the cross: The veil torn, the dividing wall destroyed.
New Covenant: Gentiles brought near, made part of God’s people, and given full access to the Father through Christ.

Our Next Step

Because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross, Gentiles can now “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4) In the structure of temple diagram, we are now qualified to enter through the Beautiful Gate (11) and into the court of women.

Court of Women

With the death and resurrection of Jesus, what qualifies someone to enter the presence of God?

According to Scripture, no one enters God’s presence by personal merit, ritual purity, or religious performance. Every qualification is something God provides, not something we achieve.

Below are the five biblical qualifications, each rooted in the New Covenant and fulfilled in Christ.

1. A New and Living Way Opened by Jesus

Primary qualification: The finished work of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19–20 says believers have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place “by the blood of Jesus… through the new and living way.”

This means:

Access is not earned
Access is not restricted
Access is not based on ethnicity, gender, or temple courts
Access is granted through Christ alone

Jesus Himself is the qualification.

2. A Cleansed Heart and Conscience

Hebrews 10:22 describes the inner condition required:

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean…”

In the Old Covenant, cleansing was external. In the New Covenant, cleansing is internal; done by the Spirit.

What qualifies you:

A heart cleansed by Christ
A conscience washed by His sacrifice
A sincere desire to come to God

3. Faith in Christ

Faith is not a work; it is the open hand that receives what God gives.

Ephesians 3:12 says:

“In Him we have boldness and access with confidence through faith.”

Faith unites us to Christ, and union with Christ is what brings us into God’s presence.

4. The Indwelling Holy Spirit

The Spirit is not just a helper; He is the guarantee of access.

Ephesians 2:18:

“Through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”

The Spirit:

Makes us God’s temple
Draws us near
Gives us the desire to seek God
Makes us fit for His presence

You don’t enter God’s presence alone; the Spirit brings you in.

5. A New Identity as God’s Child

Only priests could enter the Holy Place. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies.

But in Christ:

You are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
You are God’s child (Galatians 4:6)
You are seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)

Your identity, not your performance, qualifies you.

Summary: What Qualifies Someone to Enter God’s Presence?

Qualification	Provided By	Scripture
The blood of Jesus	Christ	Heb. 10:19–20
A cleansed heart	Christ	Heb. 10:22
Faith	Spirit‑enabled	Eph. 3:12
The Holy Spirit	God’s gift	Eph. 2:18
New identity as God’s child	Adoption	Gal. 4:6

Everything required to enter God’s presence is something God Himself provides.

God has qualified us to be able to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4)

As we pass through the gate into court, prepare to spend time there considering all that God has done and provided for you. Draw your focus from the world and to your precious savior and the realization of the indwelling Spirit of God. When ready or prompted by the Spirit, move on to the next court, where the Altar of Sacrifice is located.

Altar of Sacrifice

Entering this court, one’s attention is drawn to the Alter of Sacrifice as a two-part question forms in our mind:

What the altar of sacrifice did
How it points to and is fulfilled in Jesus.

1. The Functions of the Altar of Sacrifice (Old Testament)

The bronze altar stood in the Court of the Priests (Court of Women in the diagrm), just inside the Temple entrance. It was the first major object a worshiper encountered, and that was intentional.

A. A place of substitution

An animal died in the place of the worshiper.

“The life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement” (Lev. 17:11).
The worshiper deserved death for sin, but the animal died instead.

This taught Israel that sin requires a substitute.

B. A place of atonement

The altar was where sins were covered (Hebrew: kaphar).

Guilt was symbolically transferred to the sacrifice.
The blood on the altar signified cleansing and forgiveness.

This taught that forgiveness requires shed blood.

C. A place of consecration

Some offerings (like burnt offerings) were fully consumed on the altar.

This symbolized:

Total surrender
Devotion to God
A life offered back to Him

D. A place of access

No one could approach God without first coming to the altar.

The message was unmistakable:

You cannot enter God’s presence without dealing with sin.

2. How This Compares to the Sacrifice of Jesus

The altar was a shadow; Jesus is the substance. The altar was temporary; Jesus is final. The altar required many sacrifices; Jesus offered one perfect sacrifice.

Here’s the comparison:

A. Jesus is the true substitute

Just as the animal died in place of the sinner, Jesus died in our place.

“He bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:24).
“The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6).

The altar pointed forward to the cross.

B. Jesus provides true atonement

Animal blood could cover sin temporarily. Jesus’ blood removes sin permanently.

“By a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Heb. 10:14).
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

The altar was a symbol; the cross is the reality.

C. Jesus consecrates us completely

The burnt offering symbolized total devotion. Jesus’ sacrifice creates a people devoted to God.

“He gave Himself… to purify for Himself a people for His own possession” (Titus 2:14).

His sacrifice doesn’t just forgive — it transforms.

D. Jesus gives full access to God

In the Temple, you could not pass the altar without a sacrifice. In the New Covenant, you cannot approach God without Christ.

“We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Heb. 10:19).
“Through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18).

The altar was the doorway to the courts. Jesus is the doorway to God Himself.

Summary

The altar of sacrifice taught Israel that sin requires a substitute, atonement requires blood, and access to God requires cleansing. Jesus fulfills all of this perfectly. He is our substitute, our atonement, our consecration, and our access. Through His once‑for‑all sacrifice, the way into God’s presence is fully open.

Impact of Sacrifice

At our previous stop our hearts were filled awe and thanksgiving from understanding the change God had made in our lives. God caused us to be born spiritually and made us a part of the body of Christ by sending the Spirit to permanently dwell within each believer.

As one views the altar, a sense of anguish may almost overwhelm us knowing that it was our sin that caused Jesus to be nailed to the cross. His life given for us that we might live in his presence forever and enjoy his love and the kindness of his grace. Knowing that his love for us was so great that he was willing to give his life for ours, we bow before him in surrender and thanks and rise up with our hearts full of praise adoration.

With hearts prepared, the Spirit guides us around the Altar of Sacrifice and into the Holy Place where we encounter the Altar of Incense.

Holy Place

At this stop it is important understand the function and purpose of the Altar of Incense, how this relates to Jesus, and how it can help us enter into a fuller presence with God.

The Function and Purpose of the Altar of Incense

The Altar of Incense stood inside the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Its placement was intentional; it was the closest object to the presence of God without entering the Most Holy Place.

1. It symbolized the prayers of God’s people rising to Him

Incense was burned every morning and every evening (Exodus 30:7–8). The smoke rose upward, filling the Holy Place with fragrance.

Scripture interprets this symbol:

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before You.” (Psalm 141:2)
“The golden bowls full of incense… are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8)
“The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God.” (Revelation 8:3–4)

Meaning: The altar represented constant, continual prayer ascending to God.

2. It represented intercession

Only the priest could burn incense, and he did so on behalf of the people.

This pointed to the need for:

A mediator
A representative
Someone who stands between God and the people

The incense altar was a picture of intercessory prayer.

3. It was connected to atonement

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest placed blood on the horns of the altar (Exodus 30:10).

This showed:

Prayer is acceptable only because of atonement
Access to God requires cleansing
Intercession is grounded in sacrifice

The altar of incense was not a stand‑alone symbol; it was tied to the altar of sacrifice.

4. It created a fragrant atmosphere before God

The incense was a holy blend that could not be used anywhere else (Exodus 30:34–38).

This taught Israel:

God delights in the prayers of His people
Prayer is precious and pleasing to Him
Approaching God is a sacred privilege

How This Points to and Is Fulfilled in Jesus

The altar of incense was a shadow; Jesus is the substance.

1. Jesus is our Intercessor

What the priest symbolized, Jesus fulfills:

“He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
“There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Jesus is the true priest standing before God on our behalf.

2. Jesus makes our prayers acceptable

Just as incense rose before God, our prayers rise through Christ.

“Through Him we both have access… to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)
“Whatever you ask in My name…” (John 14:13)

Our prayers are a “sweet aroma” because they come through the Son.

Note: A valuable lesson on prayer is found in the Gospel Event on prayer found at this link.

3. Jesus’ sacrifice gives us confidence to pray

The altar of incense was tied to the blood of atonement. Likewise, our prayer life is grounded in the cross.

“We have confidence to enter… by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19)

Prayer is not based on our worthiness — it is based on Christ’s finished work.

Summary

The Altar of Incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people rising continually before Him, offered through a mediator and made acceptable by atonement. Jesus fulfills this perfectly as our great High Priest, whose intercession never ceases and through whom our prayers become a pleasing aroma to God.

The Fragrance of Incense

As this lesson guides As you guide readers from the Court of the Gentiles into the Holy Place, the Altar of Incense becomes the moment where the journey shifts from approach to intimacy. Here, the prayers rising like incense are not casual or distant; they are the prayers of people who are drawing nearer and nearer to the presence of God.

Below is a set of deep, Scripture‑shaped prayers that fit this stage of the journey. These are the kinds of prayers worshipers would offer as they stand before the Altar of Incense; prayers of surrender, longing, purification, and communion.

Prayers of Those Entering Deeper into God’s Presence

1. Prayers of Surrender

At this point in the journey, the worshiper is no longer negotiating with God — they are yielding.

“Lord, I surrender my will to Yours.”
“Shape my desires so they align with Your heart.”
“Take anything in me that resists Your presence.”

These are prayers that say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

2. Prayers of Purification

Standing before the veil, the worshiper longs to be clean — not outwardly, but inwardly.

“Search me and know me; reveal anything that grieves Your Spirit.”
“Cleanse my motives, my thoughts, and my affections.”
“Make my heart a place where You delight to dwell.”

These prayers echo Psalm 139 and Psalm 51.

3. Prayers of Deepening Desire

The closer one comes to God, the more the heart awakens with longing.

“Lord, I want more of You.”
“Draw me closer; let nothing distract me from Your presence.”
“Stir my heart with holy hunger.”

These are the prayers of Psalm 42 and Psalm 63.

4. Prayers of Intercession

The Altar of Incense was a place of intercession — the priest standing before God on behalf of others.

“Lord, remember Your people.”
“Have mercy on those who are wandering.”
“Strengthen the weary, heal the broken, restore the fallen.”

These prayers rise like incense for others.

5. Prayers of Adoration

As the worshiper approaches the Holy of Holies, praise becomes the natural language of the soul.

“You are holy, worthy, and beautiful beyond description.”
“There is none like You.”
“Your presence is my joy, my life, and my treasure.”

These are the prayers of Revelation 4–5.

6. Prayers of Expectant Faith

The worshiper stands at the threshold of God’s presence — the veil is near.

“Lord, I believe You will meet me.”
“Open my eyes to behold Your glory.”
“Lead me deeper still.”

These prayers anticipate communion.

A One‑Sentence Summary

At the Altar of Incense, the prayers of God’s people rise as surrender, purification, longing, intercession, adoration, and expectant faith; the heart’s fragrance offered as they draw near to the presence of God.

Holy of Holies

From the Holy Place, the Spirit prompts us to approach the Vail and enter into the Holy of Holies. Here we must consider what the Hol of Holies meant before Jesus, how it is fulfilled in Jesus, and what it means for us as believers today.

1. The Function of the Holy of Holies Before Jesus Came

The Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) was the innermost room of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It served one supreme purpose:

A. It was the earthly throne room of God

God’s presence dwelled above the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:22).
It represented heaven touching earth.
It was the most sacred space in Israel’s worship.

B. It was completely restricted

Only one person could enter:

The High Priest
Once per year
On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
With blood for his own sins and the sins of the people (Leviticus 16)

This taught Israel:

God is holy
Sin separates
Access to God requires atonement
A mediator is necessary

C. It was a place of atonement

The High Priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat to:

Cover sin
Restore fellowship
Secure forgiveness for the nation

The Holy of Holies was the center of God’s presence and the center of Israel’s forgiveness.

2. How the Holy of Holies Relates to Jesus

Everything in the Holy of Holies pointed forward to Christ.

A. Jesus is the true High Priest

He does not enter once a year — He entered once for all (Hebrews 9:12).

He does not bring the blood of animals — He brings His own blood.

He does not enter an earthly room — He enters heaven itself (Hebrews 9:24).

B. Jesus is the true sacrifice

The blood sprinkled on the mercy seat was symbolic. Jesus’ blood actually removes sin (Hebrews 10:4, 10:14).

C. Jesus is the true veil

The veil separated humanity from God. When Jesus died, the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51).

Meaning:

The barrier is gone
The way is open
Access is now direct

Hebrews 10:20 says the veil symbolized His flesh; His torn body opened the way to God.

D. Jesus is the true Holy of Holies

The presence of God no longer dwells in a room. It dwells in Christ Himself (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9).

He is the meeting place between God and humanity.

3. How the Holy of Holies Relates to Us as Believers

Because of Jesus, everything has changed.

A. We have full, direct access to God

Hebrews 10:19–22:

We enter boldly
We enter confidently
We enter by the blood of Jesus
We enter with hearts cleansed

No more:

Priests
Veils
Annual rituals
Restricted zones

B. We become the temple of God

God’s presence no longer dwells in a building.

It dwells in:

Every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19)
The church as a whole (Ephesians 2:21–22)

The Holy of Holies has moved — from a room in Jerusalem to the hearts of God’s people.

C. We become a royal priesthood

1 Peter 2:9:

We offer spiritual sacrifices
We intercede
We draw near
We live in God’s presence daily

Every believer now enjoys what only the High Priest once experienced.

D. We are invited into God’s presence continually

Not once a year. Not once a week. Not only in crisis.

Continually. Freely. Joyfully.

This is the miracle of the New Covenant.

Summary

Before Jesus: The Holy of Holies was the restricted dwelling place of God’s presence, entered only by the High Priest once a year with sacrificial blood.

In Jesus: He is the true High Priest, the true sacrifice, the true veil, and the true Holy of Holies. His death opened the way into God’s presence forever.

For believers: We now have full access to God, we are His temple, we are His priesthood, and we are invited to live continually in His presence.

Summary of Our Journey

Our journey into God’s presence has carried us from the distant place of the Gentiles, where all we could do was stand on the outside looking in, to the very threshold of the Holy of Holies. Step by step, we moved inward, through cleansing, surrender, worship, and prayer, each court drawing us closer to the heart of God. At the Altar of Sacrifice, we learned that access requires atonement; at the Altar of Incense, we discovered that intimacy is sustained by prayer. And now, through the torn veil and the finished work of Jesus, we enter the Holy of Holies itself; not as outsiders or observers, but as beloved children welcomed into the very presence of God.

Questions of Understanding for the Journey Into God’s Presence

1. Court of the Gentiles — “What keeps me standing at a distance from God?”

Extended Answer: In the Court of the Gentiles, anyone could gather, but no one could draw near. This outer court reminds us that many people live with a vague awareness of God yet remain far from Him. Sometimes distance comes from ignorance, sometimes from fear, sometimes from sin, and sometimes simply from distraction. The question invites us to name the barriers that keep us on the outside looking in. As we acknowledge these hindrances, we begin the journey inward — not by our merit, but by God’s invitation to come closer.

2. Court of the Women — “What does it mean to step inside the boundaries of covenant relationship?”

Extended Answer: Moving from the outer court into the Court of the Women symbolizes stepping into a place of belonging. Here, worshipers were no longer spectators but participants. This question invites us to consider what it means to move from casual belief to committed relationship; to embrace the identity God gives His people. It challenges us to ask whether we are merely observing faith from a distance or entering into the life God offers.

3. Court of Israel (Men’s Court) — “How is God calling me to deeper obedience and surrender?”

Extended Answer: In this court, worshipers stood closer to the altar, watching the priests offer sacrifices on their behalf. It was a place of seriousness, reflection, and surrender. This question helps us examine the areas of our lives where obedience is still partial or hesitant. Drawing nearer to God always involves surrender; not as loss, but as liberation. The closer we come, the more we realize that God desires not just our actions but our hearts.

4. Altar of Sacrifice — “What sin or burden must be laid down before I can move closer to God?”

Extended Answer: No one could approach God without passing the altar. It was the place where sin was confronted and atonement was made. This question invites honest confession: What needs to die so that I may live? What guilt, shame, habit, or self‑reliance must be placed on the altar? The answer is not found in our effort but in Christ’s sacrifice, which cleanses us and opens the way forward. The altar teaches us that access to God is always through grace.

5. Altar of Incense — “What prayers rise from my heart as I draw nearer to God’s presence?”

Extended Answer: Here the fragrance of incense filled the Holy Place, symbolizing the prayers of God’s people ascending continually before Him. This question invites us to listen to the deeper longings of our soul; the prayers of surrender, purification, longing, intercession, and adoration. As we draw closer to God, our prayers become less about requests and more about relationship. They become the fragrance of a heart awakened to God’s nearness.

6. Holy of Holies — “How does Jesus’ finished work change the way I enter God’s presence today?”

Extended Answer: Before Jesus, the Holy of Holies was a place of awe and restriction — entered only once a year by one man. But through Christ, the veil has been torn, and the way into God’s presence is open. This question invites us to reflect on the privilege we now possess: we enter not with fear, but with confidence; not with ritual, but with relationship; not as outsiders, but as beloved children. Understanding this transforms prayer from duty into delight and worship from obligation into communion.

A Closing Reflection

These questions help us slow down and feel the weight of the journey; from distance to nearness, from exclusion to welcome, from sacrifice to intimacy. Each step reveals more of God’s heart and more of the grace that makes our approach possible. In Christ, the journey ends not at a veil, but in the very presence of God Himself.