Happy Resurrection Day! Unlike the early Israelites, we now have free access to God the Father through His only Son, whose death removed the veil that kept us from forgiveness of our sins except by animal sacrifice. Jesus is our only way to salvation. Hallelujah!
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
The barrier is finally removed
One of the most dramatic events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ was the tearing of the temple veil. The history of the veil is highly significant to Christians.
During the Israelites’ 40-year wilderness journey, they built a portable tabernacle, wherein God dwelt. A veil separated God’s dwelling place, the Holy of Holies, from the outer room, signifying a barrier between God and man.
Once a year the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat (where God’s glory rested) as a symbol of atonement for the sins of the people and himself. His yearly entry meant that the close association between God and His people was restored.
Later, in Solomon’s huge, ornate temple in Jerusalem, the new veil was heavy, woven, seamless, and very high. Centuries later, at the moment Jesus cried out and breathed His last while hanging on the cross, the temple veil was torn in two pieces from top to bottom.
This event has spiritual applications. The tearing of the veil symbolized Jesus’ body broken and torn for our sins. Unlike a rip in fabric that happens along a seam and is easily fixed, a tear mars the actual threads of the cloth—a clear and disturbing picture of Christ’s punishment.
God Himself caused the temple veil to tear at the moment of His Son’s death so that we, by virtue of our belief in Christ as Savior, can enter the holy place of God’s presence. Only through Christ’s blood, shed for us on the cross, can we approach our Father God.
Hebrews 10:19-22 says: “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, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
Jesus made it clear that He, through His shed blood, is the only way we can be united with the Father. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Lord, thank You for Your mercy that makes it possible for us to approach You freely and without fear of any barriers. May we always remember these two truths: that only through You shall we have full access to God our Father, and that we are Your dwelling place. May Your glory rest in us so others may see You in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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