What does the tearing of the veil reveal about our access to God? The Moment the Curtain Split “Luke 23:45 — ‘The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.’” Why a Veil in the First Place? • Exodus 26:31-33 describes a heavy, multi-layered curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. • Only the high priest, and only on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 34), could pass that barrier—after blood sacrifice, incense, and ritual washing. • The veil preached a visual sermon: “Come no farther. God’s holiness is lethal to guilty people.” What Exactly Tore? • Matthew 27:51 and Mark 15:38 confirm Luke’s report and add that the veil ripped “from top to bottom,” signaling a divine—not human—act. • The temple curtain was roughly 60 feet high, 30 feet wide, and as thick as a man’s hand; human strength could not shred it that way. The Meaning Unpacked 1. Barrier Removed • Ephesians 2:13-18—Christ’s blood “brought you near” and “tore down the dividing wall.” • Hebrews 10:19-20—“We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body.” 2. Sacrificial System Fulfilled • Hebrews 9:6-12 contrasts priests’ repeated entries with Christ’s once-for-all entrance “into the Most Holy Place … having obtained eternal redemption.” 3. Direct Access for Every Believer • 1 Peter 2:9—We are now “a royal priesthood,” welcomed into God’s presence without an earthly mediator. • Romans 5:1-2—We “have peace with God … through whom we have gained access by faith.” 4. Open Invitation, Not Mere Symbol • 2 Corinthians 3:14-16—In Christ “the veil is removed.” The torn fabric is God’s continuing call: “Come in, stay near.” 5. Unity in Christ • Galatians 3:28—No ethnic, social, or gender barrier remains before the throne; the torn veil folds every believer into one family. Practical Implications • Confidence: Approach the Father freely (Hebrews 4:16). • Holiness: Walk worthy, because grace cost the torn flesh of Jesus (Hebrews 12:14). • Worship: Gather expecting real fellowship with the living God, not distant ritual (John 4:23-24). • Witness: Invite others; the doorway is wide open (Revelation 22:17). Summing It Up The instant Jesus died, God Himself ripped apart the centuries-old sign that said “Keep Out.” In its place He hung an invisible banner that reads “Welcome Home.” |
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