²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,

²⁰ by a new [newly slain]

The “new and living way” is entrance into God’s presence. The Greek word for “new” is a unique word; this is the only time in the New Testament where it is used. The word means recent; the New Covenant via the sacrifice of Christ did not previously exist. It is new in contrast to the Mosaic covenant. Our Lord inaugurated the New Covenant. The Greek word for new also means newly slain or just slaughtered. Jesus’ sacrifice was a new system of sacrifice; it was permanent as over against Levitical sacrifices, which were continual.

This new way did not previously exist in the Old Testament; it is something true for New Testament believers, or what we call the church. This privilege began with the session (seating) of Christ at the right hand of God. Our access is new because it was unavailable to Old Testament believers. It is new since Jesus assumed His High Priesthood. This new way did not exist in the Old Testament.

and living way

The word “living” means that entering the New Covenant was real; living fellowship with God is actual with the New Testament believer. It is a living access to God rather than access through dead animals. The Old Covenant was not a “living way.” Our Lord lives eternally as our High Priest. The Old Covenant was devoid of life and power.

which He consecrated [dedicated] for us,

Christians are to act upon what Christ has provided for us.

through the veil [curtain], that is, His flesh,

We enter God’s presence through the sacrifice of Jesus’ body on the cross. The word “veil” is a symbolic allusion to the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. The sacrifice of Jesus’ body on the cross allowed us to break through the veil of the presence of God.

PRINCIPLE:

Christ’s sacrifice was all sufficient.

APPLICATION:

The curtain that was once a barrier to fellowship with God has been removed by the sacrifice of Jesus’ body. That curtain for entrance into the Holy of Holies was split to give access to those who believe (Mt 27:51). No longer does the believer carry slavish fear in his or her relationship to God. We come directly into His fellowship by our mediating High Priest.

Since believers have free and immediate access to God, they should live in the light of their privileges. We accept our privilege and fulfill its principle by acting on God’s grace to us.

The New Testament believer has the right to enter God’s presence anytime, not like the Old Testament high priest who could only enter once a year. We enter His presence on the ground of what Christ has done. Christ met every demand of God for us so that we can enter fellowship with Him at any time.

The Bible views every Christian constituted as a priest (1 Pe 2:5; Re 1:6). It is our right to draw near to God. We can do this boldly because of the blood of Christ; our appeal to God is what He did, not what we do (He 4:14-16).