And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. – Matthew 27:51
Bible Verses About The Veil In The Temple
The Significance of the Veil
The veil in the temple held substantial meaning for the people of God. It acted as a barrier between the Holy of Holies and the rest of the temple where ordinary people could go. Through the veil, the presence of God remained hidden, emphasizing His holiness. This separation reminds us of the significance of holiness and how we must approach God with reverence. When Jesus died, the veil was torn, symbolizing that access to God was no longer restricted. We should celebrate this change and recognize our access to Him as a precious gift, transforming how we relate to God.
Exodus 26:31
You shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. – Exodus 26:31
Matthew 27:51
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. – Matthew 27:51
Hebrews 9:3
Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place. – Hebrews 9:3
Hebrews 10:19-20
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh. – Hebrews 10:19-20
Luke 23:45
The sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. – Luke 23:45
Access to God Through Christ
As believers, we are incredibly blessed to have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. The tearing of the veil signifies that the old covenant is fulfilled, granting us the ability to interact with God without barriers. In prayer, worship, and the reading of the Word, we can connect with the Father anytime. This personal relationship encourages us to seek Him earnestly, knowing He listens and welcomes us. We can come boldly before His throne in confidence, cherishing the privilege that grace has provided us, and letting this truth shape our daily lives.
Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. – Ephesians 3:12
Romans 5:2
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. – Romans 5:2
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16
The Purpose of the Veil
The veil served many purposes in the temple, but its primary function was separation. It stood between God’s divine presence and humanity, illustrating how sin creates distance between us and God. As we reflect on the purpose of the veil, we can understand the depth of what Jesus’ sacrifice achieved. His death opened the way for reconciliation, allowing us to have a relationship with God and stand in His presence without fear. This profound truth encourages us to examine our lives and remove anything that could hinder our relationship with Him.
Leviticus 16:2
And the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the holy place inside the veil before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die, for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.” – Leviticus 16:2
Exodus 30:10
And Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year. With the blood of the sin offering of atonement, he shall make atonement for it once in the year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord. – Exodus 30:10
Hebrews 9:7
But into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. – Hebrews 9:7
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. – Isaiah 59:2
Hebrews 10:2
Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? – Hebrews 10:2
Historical Context of the Temple Veil
The history of the temple veil provides a deeper understanding of its relevance. Built by Solomon, the temple was a place where God dwelled among His people. The veil was crafted with great care, symbolizing the divine order within the temple. When looking back at the tabernacle and temple, we see how everything foreshadowed the coming of Jesus and the new covenant. This context enriches our understanding of how God has always desired to dwell with His people and how the veil played a key role throughout Bible history.
2 Chronicles 3:14
He made the veil of blue and purple and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and he worked cherubim on it. – 2 Chronicles 3:14
Exodus 26:33
And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil, and the veil shall separate for you the holy place from the most holy. – Exodus 26:33
Hebrews 9:6
These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties. – Hebrews 9:6
Hebrews 9:8
By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing. – Hebrews 9:8
1 Kings 6:31-32
For the entrance to the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided. He covered the doors with gold and made cherubim on them and they were hung on the hinges. – 1 Kings 6:31-32
Connection Between the Veil and Atonement
The relationship between the temple veil and atonement is powerful. Atonement for sins was through blood sacrifice, which took place behind the veil in the Most Holy Place. This represented deep sacrificial love and the seriousness of sin. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice is the final atonement we need, recognizing that there is no longer a need for animals or priests to intercede for us. Now, through His blood, we are cleansed and covered. This truth brings us hope and peace knowing our sins are forgiven and far removed from us.
Hebrews 10:11
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. – Hebrews 10:11
Hebrews 9:22
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. – Hebrews 9:22
Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. – Leviticus 17:11
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes, we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5
The Tear of the Veil: A New Era
The tearing of the veil at Jesus’s death marked a monumental shift in the way God relates to humanity. This event signified that the barrier between God and man was removed, introducing a new era of grace. We no longer rely on the works of the law or rituals; instead, we have a direct relationship with God through Jesus. We are part of a new covenant where grace abounds. As we embrace this new era, our lives should reflect the transformative love of God that calls us to live differently, pursuing holiness and relationship over religion.
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:28
Hebrews 10:18
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. – Hebrews 10:18
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 5:1
For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
Colossians 1:13-14
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:13-14
Final Thoughts
The veil in the temple symbolizes the separation between humanity and God due to sin. Its tearing at Jesus’s death marks a profound moment in history, showing us how our access to the Father has changed forever. Through this act, we realize that we can come before God whenever we desire, having a personal relationship with Him.
As we engage with these biblical truths, it becomes our call to cherish this access and approach God with humility and gratitude. Let’s remember to cultivate our relationship with Him and not take the privilege lightly.
As we contemplate the significance of the veil and its transformation, I encourage us to consider how we can explore more about God’s presence and grace. Feel free to check out our discussions on Hebrews 10:19-25 and Exodus 40:34. Let’s dive deeper into these wonderful revelations together.