When the ark of the covenant returned to Israel, some of the people look at the ark in a sinful manner and for it they were struck down. God is holy, and unholy people have no right to look upon Him. But, by the ministry of Jesus Christ, we have access to the Lord without fear of reprisal. 

The Ark of The Covenant is returned to Israel (Beth-Shemesh) 1 Samuel 6:13

The people of Beth-shemesh sacrificed the two cows and other burnt offerings with great joy. (vs 14-16)

The Lord struck seventy men of Beth-shemesh because they looked upon the Ark in a sinful manner. (vs 19)

The people of Beth-shemesh send the ark away (v 21)

Three Questions:

1. What is the Ark of the Lord?

It's just a beautiful box covered with gold and contains three elements; the tablets of the Ten Commendments, Aarons's staff, manna.

What makes the Ark holy is the presence of God on the mercy seat (Exodus 25:21-22)

2. How did the Beth-shemesh offend the Lord God?

They looked on the Ark in a sinful way (Numbers 4:10)

3. How did the people of Beth-shemesh respond to God killing the 70 men?

They became aware of their unholiness before a holy God. (v20)

But, instead of falling down before the Lord with repentence and worship they sent the Ark away again. Sinners cannot stand before a holy God and live.

Three ways Christ saves us from death:

1.Jesus' sacrifice gives us access to himself.

John 1:14; 1 John 1:1-2

2. Jesus' sacrifice gives assess to the Father

When Christ died, the veil of the temple was torn in two to symbolize the barrier He removed between us and the Father.

3. Christ's sacrifice has given us ongoing and permanent acces to the throne of grace through prayer.

We can enter into the presence of God the Father with out fear.