Have we entered into the holies while we are still in the world?

St. John Chrysostom answers saying, “He shows that while we are still in the world, and not yet departed from [this] life, we are already among the promises. For through hope we are already in heaven. He said, Wait; for it shall surely be. Afterwards giving them full assurance, he says, not rather by hope. And he said not, We are within, but ‘This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil’ (Heb. 6:19). For as the anchor, dropped from the vessel, does not allow it to be carried about, even if ten thousand winds agitate it, but being depended upon makes it steady, so also does hope.”⁹²⁵

St. Paul believes that the death of the high-priests and Levitical priests proved their inability to grant their people the life that God desires for them. Therefore, their service only prepared the way for the coming of the heavenly Priest who alone can grant eternal life. “Also there were priests because they were prevented by death from continuing but He because He continues forever has an unchangeable priesthood” (Heb. 7:23–24). As He is the King of kings, Lord of lords and the heavenly High Priest, He offers the sacrifice of the cross through His love to the Father and humanity. He sacrificed Himself for us and in that He is alive and one with the Father as St. Paul says, “He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).