The Significance of the Tearing of the Veil: Opening the Way to God's Presence

The Significance of the Tearing of the Veil

When Jesus died on the cross, something incredible happened. The veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom, indicating that the way to God's presence was open. This event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, and John 19:30), but Matthew in particular provides a detailed account of the significance of this event.

So, what is the significance of the tearing of the veil? To understand this, we need to first consider the function of the veil in the Old Testament.

The Function of the Veil in the Old Testament

The veil was a curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept (Exodus 26:31-33). Only the high priest was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place, and he could only do so once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).

The veil, therefore, served as a barrier between God and man. It symbolized the separation between God and His people, and the need for a mediator to bridge that gap.

The Significance of the Tearing of the Veil

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. This was a significant event for several reasons:

1. The Tearing of the Veil Signified the End of the Old Covenant

The tearing of the veil signified the end of the old covenant and the beginning of the new covenant. The old covenant, which was based on the law and the sacrificial system, was no longer necessary because Jesus had fulfilled it through His death on the cross (Hebrews 9:11-15).

Jesus had become the mediator between God and man, and the way to God's presence was now open to all who believed in Him (Hebrews 4:14-16).

2. The Tearing of the Veil Signified the Atonement for Sin

The tearing of the veil also signified the atonement for sin. The high priest entered the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:34). But now, through Jesus' death on the cross, atonement for sin had been made once and for all (Hebrews 10:10).

Jesus had become the perfect sacrifice for sin, and through His blood, we can be forgiven and reconciled to God (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:20).

3. The Tearing of the Veil Signified the Access to God's Presence

The tearing of the veil also signified the access to God's presence. The way to God's presence was now open to all who believed in Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Through faith in Jesus, we can now approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing that we have been made righteous through His sacrifice (Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 3:12).

The Significance of the Tearing of the Veil in Matthew's Gospel

Matthew's account of the tearing of the veil provides additional insight into its significance. In Matthew 27:51, it says that the veil was torn "from top to bottom." This is significant because it emphasizes that the tearing of the veil was not done by human hands, but by God Himself.

Furthermore, the tearing of the veil is immediately followed by an earthquake and the opening of the tombs of the saints (Matthew 27:51-52). This indicates that the tearing of the veil was not just a symbolic act, but a real, tangible event that had significant consequences.

Matthew's account of the tearing of the veil emphasizes the epoch-turning significance of the event. The old covenant had ended, and the new covenant had begun. The way to God's presence was now open, and access to Him was available to all through faith in Jesus.

Conclusion

The tearing of the veil was a significant event that signified the end of the old covenant, the atonement for sin, and the access to God's presence. It was a tangible event that had real consequences, and it emphasized the epoch-turning significance of Jesus' death on the cross.

As we reflect on the tearing of the veil, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. Through His death on the cross, we have been made righteous, and we have access to God's presence. Let us approach Him with confidence and boldness, knowing that we have been reconciled to Him through faith in Jesus.

References

• Exodus 26:31-33


• Leviticus 16:2, 34


• Hebrews 9:11-15, 10:10, 19-22


• Matthew 27:51-52


• Mark 15:38


• Luke 23:45


• John 19:30


• Romans 5:1-2


• Ephesians 1:7, 3:12


• Colossians 1:20