HALLEUJAH ~ OPEN ACCESS TO OUR CREATOR-REDEEMER GOD!

Praise God for His perfect timing, that Resurrection Day happens in the spring when new life begins to form. As we consider all that Christ suffered on our behalf, we are in awe of such love as His. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES             By Sally Bair

The Barrier

One of the most dramatic events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ was the tearing of the temple veil. The history of the veil is highly significant to Christians.

During the Israelites’ 40-year wilderness journey, they built a portable tabernacle, wherein God dwelt. A veil separated God’s dwelling place, the Holy of Holies, from the outer room, and it signified a barrier between God and man.

Once a year the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat (where God’s glory rested) as a symbol of atonement for the sins of the people and himself. His yearly entry meant that the close association between God and His people was restored.

Later, in Solomon’s huge, ornate temple in Jerusalem, the new veil was heavy, woven, seamless, and very high.

Centuries later, at the moment Jesus cried out and breathed His last while hanging on the cross, the temple veil was torn in two pieces from top to bottom. This event has spiritual applications.

The tearing of the veil symbolized Jesus’ body broken and torn for our sins. As a young seamstress, I learned the difference between a rip and a tear. A rip in fabric happened along a seam and could be fixed easily. A tear, however, tore away the actual threads of the fabric—a clear and disturbing picture of Christ’s punishment.

God Himself caused the temple veil to tear at the moment of His Son’s death so that we, by virtue of our belief in Christ as Savior, can enter the holy place of God’s presence. Only through Christ’s blood, shed for us on the cross, can we approach our Father God.

Hebrews 10:19-22 says: “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, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Lord, we thank You for Your mercy that makes it possible for us to approach You freely and without fear. May we always remember the blessed reality that we are Your dwelling place and Your glory rests in us, so others may see You in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.