Hebrews 6:19–20: If Jesus entered “behind the curtain,” is this temple-based imagery in tension with the historical destruction of the Temple in AD 70?

I. Context of Hebrews 6:19–20

Hebrews 6:19–20 states: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

This imagery references the Most Holy Place of Israel’s sacrificial system, where the high priest would enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16). The passage proclaims that Jesus has gone “behind the curtain” permanently, indicating His superior and eternal priesthood.

II. The Temple-Based Imagery and the Historical Destruction of the Temple

After the physical Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70, some have questioned whether Hebrews’ reliance on temple-based imagery conflicts with that event. Yet the text of Hebrews emphasizes a heavenly reality rather than a purely earthly edifice. The Temple ritual foreshadowed a greater, eternal truth.

1. Historical Fact of the Destruction: According to the first-century historian Josephus (The War of the Jews, Book 6), the Temple was indeed destroyed by Roman legions around AD 70. This confirmed Jesus’ own prophecies of its fall (cf. Matthew 24:1–2). However, Hebrews teaches that Christ’s priestly ministry transcends any physical sanctuary.

2. The Heavenly Pattern: Hebrews 8:5 says that the earthly tabernacle served as “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.” The true sanctuary remains unaffected by earthly destruction. Hebrews frequently points to Christ’s role in a greater and everlasting priestly system (Hebrews 9:11–12), clarifying that His ministry takes place in “the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands.”

3. No Tension with Earthly Events: The destruction of the earthly Temple does not negate the reality of what it represented. Hebrews 9:24 explains: “For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.” Thus, the Temple’s ruin enhances the writer’s argument: the eternal, heavenly Temple is where Christ truly ministers.

III. The Function of the Curtain Imagery

In ancient Israel, the curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, and only the high priest could pass through it once per year. By using this imagery:

1. Symbol of Separation: The veil illustrated humanity’s deep separation from the holiness of God. Hebrews 10:19–20 states that believers now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body.” The physical veil’s function was to keep people out, but Jesus grants a relationship of open access.

2. Christ as Forerunner: When discussing Christ going “behind the curtain,” Hebrews emphasizes His role as the forerunner. He has accomplished what the earthly high priest only symbolized—true atonement and direct access to God for all who believe. This ministry is independent of any physical structure still standing.

IV. Consistency Within Scripture

All these points cohere with the unified testimony of Scripture:

1. Prophecy: Matthew 27:50–51 records that at Jesus’ death, “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom,” symbolizing the end of the old system of sacrifice. This event took place decades before AD 70. Thus, the Temple’s eventual destruction completed the earthly shadow, leaving the new covenant reality unchallenged.

2. Continuity of Old and New: Hebrews emphasizes the enduring value of “types” such as the tabernacle and sacrifices, without nullifying their purpose. Instead, it shows they culminate in Christ’s eternal ministry. This perspective aligns with the broader teaching of Scripture, which exalts Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17–18).

3. No Contradiction: The use of Temple imagery in Hebrews is not negated by the actual destruction of the Jerusalem Temple because the epistle ultimately preaches the supremacy of the heavenly Temple. Therefore, there is no tension but rather a theological progression from the shadow to the eternal reality.

V. The Theological Significance of Christ’s Entry Behind the Curtain

1. Eternal Priesthood: By going behind the curtain in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17), Jesus establishes a priesthood unbound by genealogical lines or geographical constraints. He serves forever, guaranteeing the believer’s hope.

2. Salvific Access: Believers draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Through His resurrection, Christ has procured an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). The destroyed Temple is a historic footnote confirming that the old system’s shadow has given way to the enduring, heavenly truth.

3. Firm Anchor of Hope: Hebrews 6:19 calls Christ an anchor for the soul. Earthly events—such as the Temple’s destruction—cannot break the anchor’s hold. His entry behind the curtain and His resurrected life assure believers of an unshakable salvation.

VI. Conclusion

Hebrews’ temple-based imagery illustrates a profound spiritual truth about Christ’s high-priestly ministry in the heavenly realm. Though the earthly Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70, it does not contradict or diminish the significance of Hebrews 6:19–20. Instead, the end of the physical Temple affirms the necessity and permanence of the heavenly sanctuary, where Jesus—our forerunner—ministers eternally on behalf of all who put their trust in Him.

Through this lens, one sees no conflict between the metaphor of Jesus going “behind the curtain” and the historical facts of the Temple’s destruction. Scripture consistently testifies that the old covenant temple and priesthood were shadows of the superior priesthood of Christ. His resurrection and exaltation provide the lasting reality: an unchangeable, divine priesthood that offers everlasting hope and fellowship with God.