What does "not go near the veil" teach about God's presence? Key Verse “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Holy Place behind the veil, in front of the mercy seat that is on the ark—or else he will die—for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.” (Leviticus 16:2) The Veil and Its Setting • God instructed Israel to hang a heavy curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31–33). • Only the high priest could pass that barrier, and only on the Day of Atonement, carrying sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16:11–17). • The veil served as a visible reminder that God’s immediate presence dwelt on the other side, above the mercy seat (Exodus 25:22). What “Not Go Near the Veil” Reveals about God’s Presence • Holiness that Consumes – “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire” (Deuteronomy 4:24). – Sinful humanity cannot casually approach the Holy One and survive. • Divine Sovereignty over Access – God, not man, defines the time, the mediator, and the sacrifice required. – “Among those who approach Me I will show My holiness” (Leviticus 10:3). • The Necessity of Atonement – Blood had to be sprinkled on and before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14–15). – The veil signaled that reconciliation with God is impossible without an acceptable substitute. • Protective Mercy – The barrier kept people from dying (Numbers 4:17–20). – God’s restriction was not cruelty but kindness, shielding Israel from judgment. • Call to Reverent Fear – The command cultivated awe, humility, and obedience in worship. The Veil Pointing Forward to Christ • Veil Torn at the Cross – “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:50–51). – God Himself removed the barrier; the tear came from “top to bottom.” • Jesus, the Better High Priest – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19–20). • A New and Living Way – “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain—that is, His body—let us draw near” (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Universal Access for the Redeemed – “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18). Living in Light of the Torn Veil • Approach with Confidence and Humility – Bold because of Christ’s merit, never our own (Hebrews 4:16). • Cultivate Reverence – God’s holiness has not diminished; grace heightens, not lessens, our awe. • Pursue Practical Holiness – “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). • Celebrate Unbroken Fellowship – Daily communion with God is a blood-bought privilege; enjoy it, guard it, and invite others to it. |
    |