In 1 Kings we get a description of the details of Solomon’s great temple. The doors of the inner sanctuary received special attention and were dramatically decorated with the image of a cherub (angel) beside a tree and open flowers (6:32).
I wonder if Solomon chose this imagery based on his understanding of Genesis 3:24 which says, “He drove out the man, and at the east of the Garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.”
The temple was to represent God’s dwelling on earth with the inner sanctuary housing the mercy seat which was the spot where God’s presence met with the sacrifices for man’s sin. The angel in Genesis three was the guardian for the place where God had fellowship with man, the Garden of Eden. Thus the temple symbolically represented the place where man can once again experience a connection with God.
For the Christian, Jesus represented the new presence of God on earth. He was the Immanuel, the “God with us”. He’s the door through which man must come to once again connect with God. Hebrews reminds us that God’s mercy seat is now Jesus! It’s in Him that the barriers to God are removed and we can now enjoy fellowship with God once more. No Angel’s guard the way to Jesus! Whosoever will may come!
It is said that the ancient city of Troy had but one entrance, and from whatever direction the travelers approached the city they could not enter except through that one legally-appointed entrance. There is but one way that will lead us into the presence of God, which is Christ. “I am the door, and no man can come to the Father but through me.” (Jn. 14:6)
Chuck
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20