The tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus Christ's death is a profound event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This event holds deep theological significance, symbolizing the new covenant and the direct access to God made possible through the atoning work of Christ.

Biblical Account

The event is described in Matthew 27:50-51 : "When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." Similar accounts are found in Mark 15:37-38 and Luke 23:45. The tearing of the veil is depicted as a divine act, indicated by the fact that it was torn from top to bottom, suggesting that it was not done by human hands.

The Veil in the Temple

The veil in the temple was a significant element in the Jewish religious system. It separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God was believed to dwell. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

Symbolism of the Torn Veil

1. Access to God: The tearing of the veil symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus' sacrificial death, believers are granted direct access to God. Hebrews 10:19-20 states, "Therefore, brothers, since we 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."

2. End of the Old Covenant: The tearing of the veil signifies the end of the Old Covenant and the sacrificial system. Jesus' death fulfilled the requirements of the law, rendering the temple sacrifices obsolete. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

3. Inauguration of the New Covenant: The event marks the inauguration of the New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new relationship with His people. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, mediates this covenant, offering forgiveness and a transformed heart to those who believe.

4. Universal Access: The torn veil also signifies that access to God is no longer limited to the Jewish people or the priestly class. It is now available to all who come to God through faith in Jesus Christ, as emphasized in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Theological Implications

The tearing of the veil is a pivotal moment in Christian theology, underscoring the sufficiency of Christ's atonement and the intimate relationship believers can now enjoy with God. It highlights the transition from the old sacrificial system to a new era of grace, where Jesus serves as the ultimate High Priest and mediator between God and humanity. This event invites believers to approach God with confidence, assured of their acceptance through the finished work of Christ.