And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. – Matthew 27:50-51
Bible Verses About The Veil In The Temple
The Significance of the Veil
When we contemplate the significance of the veil in the temple, we realize that it represented a barrier between God and humanity. The veil was there to signify the separation caused by sin. We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus shattered that barrier through His death, allowing us to experience a direct relationship with our Creator. The veil’s existence reminds us of the righteousness required to approach God, and its tearing symbolizes our freedom from that constraint. In God’s plan, every element pointed to a greater purpose. The veil, once a symbol of separation, turned into a profound representation of reconciliation.
Exodus 26:31
“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.” – Exodus 26:31
Matthew 27:51
“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” – Matthew 27:51
Hebrews 10:20
“By a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.” – Hebrews 10:20
Mark 15:38
“The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” – Mark 15:38
Luke 23:45
“For the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” – Luke 23:45
The Veil as a Symbol of Separation
In our spiritual journey, we know that the veil also represented the separation between the Holy of Holies and the rest of the temple. This separation served to remind us of the holiness of God and the need for atonement before entering His presence. As we think about the veil, we remember how closely intertwined it is with our relationship with God. The torn veil signifies that we no longer need a human mediator to approach God. Instead, we can boldly come before Him, acknowledging that Jesus is our mediator, bridging the gap caused by sin.
Isaiah 59:2
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
Hebrews 9:3
“Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.” – Hebrews 9:3
2 Corinthians 5:18
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Colossians 1:22
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” – Colossians 1:22
The Promise of Access
We can find great joy in knowing that the tearing of the veil gives us direct access to God. This access is a promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Before Christ, approaching God was reserved for the high priest, and now each of us can enter into a personal relationship with Him. As we think about the fact that the veil is gone, we are reminded to boldly approach His throne with confidence, knowing that He welcomes us with open arms. Our hearts are encouraged to experience this access—coming to Him in prayer, worship, and fellowship.
Ephesians 2:18
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:18
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Romans 5:1-2
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” – 1 Peter 3:18
John 10:9
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The tearing of the veil serves as a manifestation of the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Scriptures. It was foretold that Jesus would be our ultimate sacrifice, and through His death, we can witness the realization of ancient prophecies coming to life. Each piece of Scripture points toward Him, illustrating that God’s redemptive plan began long ago. When we see the veil torn and understand its significance, we find hope in all the promises that surround Christ’s work on the cross. Every prophecy, symbol, and lesson leads to this extraordinary moment of fulfillment.
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Luke 24:27
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” – Luke 24:27
Acts 3:18
“But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.” – Acts 3:18
Romans 10:4
“Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4
The Call to Boldly Approach God
When we reflect on the significance of the veil being torn, we are invited to boldly approach God as His beloved children. This open invitation encourages us to spend time with Him in prayer and worship. We are reminded that through Jesus’ sacrifice, nothing stands between us and our Savior. Our hearts can be at peace, knowing we can come to Him with our burdens, fears, hopes, and dreams. Embracing this invitation helps us deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith journey, trusting that He truly desires to meet us where we are.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
1 John 5:14-15
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22
The Transformation of Worship
With the veil being torn, our understanding of worship is transformed. We are no longer confined to a physical space to encounter God; worship becomes a lifestyle accessible from anywhere and at any time. We are called to live out our worship in our daily lives, to bring our hearts before God each moment. This change invites us to recognize that every act of love, every expression of gratitude, and every moment of service can be an offering of worship. Let us rejoice that our worship reflects the freedom we have in Christ, unhindered by barriers.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in the truth.” – John 4:24
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Psalm 95:6
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Final Thoughts
The tearing of the veil in the temple was not just an event; it was a profound moment of transformation for us as believers. It represents the end of separation and the beginning of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that every barrier has been removed. The veil reminds us of the promise that there is no longer any obstacle between us and our heavenly Father. It invites us into a vibrant expression of worship that transcends the limitations of space and time.
As we reflect on the importance of the veil and its significance, may we remain aware of our access to God’s presence. We can approach Him in faith, lifting our voices in praise and seeking His guidance in our daily lives. Let us live as transformed people, aware of the sweet fellowship we have with our Creator.
For those exploring more about God’s redemptive work, I encourage you to read about the crucifixion of Jesus or delve into the significance of communion. There is always more to learn and discover in our walk of faith.