Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.
Exodus 20:18-21
We have already seen that Moses was a type of Christ, mediating between God and His people.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
Jesus is, of course, the greater and ultimate Mediator. In what way? Moses mediated God’s law that condemns us. Jesus mediates God’s grace by which those who trust in Him are saved.
There is another difference between these two mediators and what their mediation accomplished. As the mediator of the Law, Moses (and subsequent priests) went into the presence of the Lord, but the people had to remain at a distance. This was illustrated by the veil of the temple that separated the people from God.
As the Mediator of saving grace, when Jesus died, the veil that separated the people from the presence of God was torn in two. It was torn from top to bottom, illustrating that God opened the way for people to enter God’s presence—which sinful people could never do.
Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, Matthew 27:51
Now those who are “in Christ” may enter the presence of the Lord!
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
A last thought about coming into the presence of God. Though we may come boldly because of the finished work of our Savior and Lord, let us come reverently. The presence we enter is still the presence of Almighty God. The redeemed are justified (declared holy in God’s sight, though in practice we will not be holy until we are in Heaven), but God didn’t become less holy!