What is the Significance of the Temple Veil Tearing at the Moment of Jesus' Death??

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

When Jesus died, as described in Matthew 27:51 (AMP), “And [at once] the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split apart”. This significant event is also detailed in the Synoptic Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. Following Jesus' death, Matthew chronicles the immediate aftermath, while John, deeply moved, remained at the cross with Jesus' mother until the Savior's last breath on Earth before His crucifixion.

At the moment of Jesus' death, He, the Son of God, willingly went to the cross to fulfill His Father's plan. He came to Earth on a mission to save humanity from the sins that separate them from God's presence. Various interpretations exist regarding the significance of the veil tearing, with some seeing it as a symbol of reconciliation between God and sinful people through the tearing of Jesus' flesh, while others believe it occurred when Jesus' final cry resonated, causing the veil to tear and the earth to shake.

The tearing of the temple veil holds profound meaning in the context of the Synoptic Gospels, as it symbolizes the separation between humanity and God. The curtain, which only direct descendants and Aaron's high priest could pass through on the Day of Atonement to offer atoning sacrifices, illustrates humanity's unworthiness to stand in God's holy presence due to sin. The remarkable tearing of the curtain, ripped from top to bottom by God, signified the path that God established through Jesus' death as the sole means to remain in God's presence.

The temple veil's significance is also deeply rooted in the Old Testament and Jewish tradition, as it separated the Holy of Holies, containing the Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments. The thickness and size of the veil, which was made of purple, blue, and scarlet material with fine twisted linen, underscore the momentous events that transpired when Jesus died.

The tearing of the veil symbolizes the shedding of Jesus' blood and His sacrifice as the adequate atonement for our sins. It signifies the opening of the path to the Holy of Holies for all, both Jew and Gentile, for all time. When Jesus died on the cross and the veil was torn, it marked a profound shift in God's dwelling place. God no longer resided in a temple made by human hands, as Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70, as stated? by Jesus in Luke 13:35 (AMP),”Listen carefully: your house is left to you desolate [abandoned by God and destitute of His protection]”...As long as it stood, the temple represented the enduring Old Covenant, however Hebrews 9:8-9 (AMP), “By this the Holy Spirit signifies that the way into the Holy Place [the true Holy of Holies and the presence of God] has not yet been disclosed as long as the first or outer tabernacle is still standing [that is, as long as the Levitical system of worship remains a recognized institution], for this [first or outer tabernacle] is a symbol [that is, an archetype or paradigm] for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which are incapable of perfecting the conscience and renewing the [inner self of the] worshiper.” speaks of a passing of time as the new covenant was established. The tearing of the veil symbolizes Christ as the only path to God, as the high priest had to pass through the Holy of Holies through the veil. It also highlights Christ as the superior High Priest, with believers participating in His better priesthood, as described in Hebrews 10:19-20 (AMP), “Therefore, believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus, by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh,”

The profound significance of the veil tearing is elaborated in the book of Hebrews, emphasizing that the temple's elements were shadows of what was to come, all pointing to Jesus as the way to the Holy of Holies, granting the faithful free access to God through Christ's death. Note Hebrews 10:1-10 (AMP), “For since the Law has only a shadow [just a pale representation] of the good things to come—not the very image of those things—it can never, by offering the same sacrifices continually year after year, make perfect those who approach [its altars]. For if it were otherwise, would not these sacrifices have stopped being offered? For the worshipers, having once [for all time] been cleansed, would no longer have a consciousness of sin. But [as it is] these [continual] sacrifices bring a fresh reminder of sins [to be atoned for] year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ enters into the world, He says,“Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But [instead] You have prepared a body for Me [to offer]; In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no delight. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come To do Your will, O God—[To fulfill] what is written of Me in the scroll of the book.’?”After saying [in the citation] above, “You have neither desired, nor have You taken delight in sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin” (which are offered according to the Law) then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” [And so] He does away with the first [covenant as a means of atoning for sin based on animal sacrifices] so that He may inaugurate and establish the second [covenant by means of obedience]. And in accordance with this will [of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified [that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all.”

For Christians today, the torn veil serves as a reminder that sin renders humanity unfit for God's presence. Despite repeated sin offerings and sacrifices, sin couldn't be atoned for or eradicated by animal sacrifices. Through Jesus' atoning sacrifice, the barrier between humanity and God has been removed, allowing believers to approach Him boldly and confidently, as affirmed in John 10:10 (AMP), “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]”, and Hebrews 4:14-16 (AMP), “Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”?

The deception of the enemy and the veil of sin no longer hinder believers from living fully, as God has made a way for His people to come to Him through Jesus. Christians can boldly approach God as believers of and in Christ, knowing that He is the Truth, the Life, and the Way to the Father, as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, ushering us into God's presence.

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