How does the veil symbolize Christ's role as our mediator in the New Testament? The Veil in the Tabernacle: A Sacred Divider Exodus 26:33 — “Hang the veil under the clasps and bring the ark of the testimony there behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.” • God Himself designed a curtain almost four inches thick to stand between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. • Only one man—the high priest—could pass through it, and only once a year (Leviticus 16). • The veil proclaimed two immovable truths: – The holiness of God. – The sinfulness of people who needed a mediator. What the Veil Taught Israel • Holiness is not negotiable; approach to God must be on His terms. • Blood sacrifice was essential (Hebrews 9:7). • Worship demanded a go-between who represented the people before God. Foreshadowing a Perfect Mediator Hebrews 9:7-8 explains that the Holy Spirit used the veil to “show that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed.” • The once-a-year entrance pointed forward to a once-for-all entrance. • The repeated sacrifices hinted at a single, sufficient sacrifice. • The high priest’s role previewed a greater Priest who would never need replacement. Christ, the Veil, and the Cross Matthew 27:51 — “At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” • “From top to bottom” signals God’s initiative—He removed the barrier. • The torn fabric announces that Christ’s body, “the curtain” (Hebrews 10:20), was opened through His death. • No further animal blood is required; Christ’s blood has satisfied divine justice. New Covenant Access • Hebrews 10:19-22 — We now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” • 1 Timothy 2:5 — “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” • Ephesians 2:18 — “Through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” • 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 — Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, “the veil is removed.” Living in the Reality of the Torn Veil • Draw near boldly; your acceptance rests on Christ, not personal merit. • Worship with reverence—God’s holiness has not diminished, but Christ has made the way. • Intercede for others; because you have free access, you can stand in the gap for them. • Guard purity; the privilege of direct fellowship calls for a life set apart. The veil once barred sinners from God’s presence; the torn veil now beckons believers to come freely and confidently through Christ, our perfect and eternal Mediator. |
    |