Pay attention to the man behind the curtain.

Of all the amazing events surrounding His death on the cross, perhaps one of the most significant involves what happened in the the final moments of Christ’s life.

Around noon, while Jesus hung on the cross, the entire earth became dark; a darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout.  Jesus cried out to His Father, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” He breathed His last breath and died.  At that moment, the curtain in the temple tore down the middle from top to bottom.  The earth shook and rocks were split.  Tombs were opened. A centurion captain standing there saw what happened and immediately honored God saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!  Truly this man was the Son of God!”

What is so special about a torn curtain?  Why does that matter?  In understanding the awesomeness of this, you first need to understand the history and significance of of the veil itself.

The origin of the veil.

In the Old Testament, Moses was given from God not only the ten commandments of which most everyone is aware, but also instructions for building a traveling tabernacle.  The word “tabernacle” means “place of dwelling” or “sanctuary.” It was a holy place where God chose to meet His people while they wandered through the desert.  It was a place where the people and priests came together to offer sacrifices and to worship God.

“…make a sancturary for me, and I will dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8

The tabernacle was  a mobile tent containing portable furniture and relics that was set up wherever the people made camp.  It was always the center of the camp, with each of the twelve tribes of Israel surrounding it according to their tribe.  God dwelt there among His people, appearing as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

The tabernacle was built to the absolute specific detail given by God, from its measurements to its materials, and even its contents. Specific rules and rituals were also ordained as God’s way of declaring his unquestionable authority and holiness, showing the people that they must come to God on his terms, not their own.

Within the center of this tabernacle was something called the Holy of Holies—a 15x15x15 room, separated by a thick curtain (also known as the “veil.” It was made of fine linen and purple, scarlet and blue yarn and was embroidered with images of angels (cherubim). In Hebrew, “veil” means a divider, or a separator that hides.  The purpose of the curtain separating the Holy Place of the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies in the center was essentially to shield God from sinful man. No one could enter behind the veil except the high priest (the mediator between the people and God), as to do so would result in death.  God’s glory would simply be too much.  The priest was only allowed to go in on one day of the year (known as the Day of Atonement), and in doing so had to make very specific preparations before entering, including not looking upon God.

God’s presence remained shielded from man behind this thick curtain for centuries.

The significance of the torn veil.

The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross radically changed everything. The temple of Jerusalem also contained a new Holy of Holies, surrounded by this same God-ordained curtain.  The moment Christ died, the curtain in the Jerusalem temple was torn in half—notably from the top to the bottom. The veil was simply too high for people to have reached it (about 60 feet high and 30 feet wide), and far too thick for them to have torn it (four inches thick). Only God could have carried out such an incredible feat–it was torn from the top down, meaning that it only could have come from above.

By the veil being torn away, the Holy of Holies—the most sacred home of the living God—was exposed. His presence was no longer confined; the rituals, rules and regulations of old were deemed null and void, and He was finally accessible to all.

“We can now boldly enter into God’s presence, “the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.” Hebrews 6:19-20

Our salvation from death, paid in full through the horrific death of Jesus made us right before God. The sting of death had been removed as the torn veil symbolized Jesus’ body given for us.  His crucifixion opened the way for us to come into the presence of His Father, God. Christ proclaimed that God’s redemptive plan was now complete by crying out,“It is finished!” The long age of sacrificial animal offerings for forgiveness of sin was over—in its place, the ultimate offering had been sacrificed.  No more need for ritual.  No more need for speaking to God by proxy.  Finally, a direct line straight to Him was given through the amazing grace extended by Jesus’ love.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body …let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:19-22

What an awesome symbol of God’s wonderful plan being fulfilled.  And yet, its meaning is often overlooked. We no longer are bound by the law, because Christ came to fulfill the law—doing something we could never do.

A new Holy of Holies is before us.  When the new heaven and the new Earth are presented, Revelation says that the New Jerusalem will be a perfect cube, as tall as it is wide, as it is deep.  This will be where Christ rests his throne.  The beauty of this place is that there will be no curtain, and no curtain call.  The show will go on—forever.  Amen.