"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have all confidence to enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he opened for us, through the veil, that is, his body. Therefore, we have a high priest over the house of God. Therefore, let us draw near to God with a true heart and full conviction of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
This passage reminds us of direct access to God, a topic also addressed in Ezekiel 46. It presents Christ as the definitive fulfillment of the ritual provisions, allowing us to draw closer to God with faith.
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The gate of the inner courtyard that faces toward the east must remain closed during the six working days, but on the Sabbath day it must be open, as well as on the day of the new moon. The prince must enter from the outside, through the porch of the gate, and stand by the gatepost. The priests will offer his burnt offerings and his fellowship offerings. He will worship at the entrance of the gate and then go out, but the gate will not be closed until afternoon."
This passage establishes rules for the tabernacle that are similar to those of Ezekiel 46, thus showing the continuity of worship of Israel through the ages.
"I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple."
While Ezekiel 46 describes a physical temple, this verse from Revelation offers us a final vision where God Himself is the temple, thus fulfilling the ultimate purpose of worship.
"However, the time is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. These are the worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and truth."
In this passage, Jesus teaches us that spiritual worship transcends the physical rules of the temple, evoking a deep and authentic relationship with God, beyond rituals.
"Therefore, do not allow anyone to judge you in what you eat or drink, or in any religious festival, celebration of the new moon, or Sabbath day. These are shadows of things to come; yet the reality is found in Christ."
Paul reminds us that ritual practices, such as those described in Ezekiel 46, are only shadows pointing to the reality in Christ, the true center of our worship.
By meditating on these passages, we are called to understand the depth of Christian worship, integrating the teachings of Ezekiel and the Scriptures into our life of faith. May our worship always be in spirit and in truth.