The Temple Veil Torn in Two

Introduction

The death of the Son of God seems fitly surrounded by miracles (Matthew 27:50-54). There could now be no doubt that the one they hung on that cross was the Son of God, the Promised One, the Messiah. During lifetime of Jesus, temple in Jerusalem was center of Jewish religious life. In the temple was a veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies symbolized the way to God’s presence. This veil was the line of separation that kept people out of this most holy place.

I.  About the Veil

A.     Ex. 26:31-33 – veil was to be made of fine twisted linen

1.     Made of blue, purple, and scarlet material.

B.     Num. 4:5 – each time the tabernacle moved – veil used to cover the Ark of the Covenant.

C.    By time of Solomon, Israel moved out of tabernacle into temple.

1.     Solomon’s temple destroyed in 587 by Babylon.

2.     Beginning in 20 B.C., Herod began to rebuild the temple complex.

D.    Its being torn in two is a miracle.  It happened at the exact moment of Jesus’ death

II. Thru Jesus, the wall of separation between God & man was removed.

A.     Under the OL – the place of God’s people was one of distance. No invitation to come to God.

B.     Ex. 19:12 – at very first institution of law – command given not to go near.

1.     Ex. 20:28 - the people stood afar off.

C.    Thru Jesus – all of this ended!

1.     Mt. 11:28-30; Heb. 10:22; Js. 4:8; Rev. 3:20 – this is the spirit of the gospel.

III. Removal of the veil signified the removal of separating sin.

A.     Sin is the great divider between God and man.

1.     A holy God cannot have fellowship w/unholy creatures.

a)     Veil signified separation between holy and unholy.

B.     But thru Jesus – sin has been put away because of His sacrifice.

1.     We can be cleansed by His blood; Heb. 10:16-22

a)     Able to approach in confidence & not fear.

C.    These blessings are only for believers.

1.     Those who refuse Jesus refuse the only way of access to God.

2.     No other way today to come into fellowship with God – except through the rent veil – even the death of Jesus.

D.    Lk. 23:45 – ASV – veil ripped down the middle. From top to bottom. Complete.

1.     There is an entrance made for the greatest of sinners.

IV. We have no fear of death in the most holy place.

A.     But we can not die in the holy place now – because of Jesus – Heb. 10:22.

B.     Our boldness arises from the perfection of Jesus’ sacrifice.  Heb. 10:14.

1.     Heb. 10:15-18 – our sins have been fully forgiven.

C.    We have a right to dwell near God, because through Jesus we have been made priests in the service of God. (Rev. 1:6, 5:10)

D.    The Christian should never approach God w/dread – but w/exceeding joy!

Conclusion:

A.     Thank God for the death of Jesus Christ. Let us praise Him for the full access we now have to approach the father for our most important needs – those which are spiritual. Indeed the death of Jesus Christ was the most significant event that has ever happened. Have you taken advantage of it?