And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. – Matthew 27:51
Spiritual Significance of the Veil
As we explore the spiritual significance of the veil, we are reminded of the separation it represents between God and humanity. The veil served as a physical barrier in the temple, indicating that direct access to God’s presence was limited. With the death of Jesus, this veil was torn, symbolizing that we now have open access to God. It brings us great joy to know that we no longer have to approach Him through rituals; through Christ, we can have an intimate relationship with our Creator.
Exodus 26:31
And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made; and thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold. – Exodus 26:31
Matthew 27:51
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. – Matthew 27:51
2 Corinthians 3:14
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. – 2 Corinthians 3:14
Hebrews 10:20
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; – Hebrews 10:20
Isaiah 25:7
And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. – Isaiah 25:7
Christ’s Sacrifice and the Veil
Christ’s sacrifice is profoundly connected to the veil. The tearing of the veil at His death represents the ultimate sacrifice made for us. We, as believers, can rejoice because through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we have been reconciled with God. Now, we have the privilege of approaching God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we are accepted and loved. Let us cherish this gift of access and give thanks for our Savior.
Hebrews 9:3
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; – Hebrews 9:3
Mark 15:38
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. – Mark 15:38
Colossians 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. – Colossians 1:20
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: – 1 Peter 3:18
John 10:9
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. – John 10:9
Communion through the Veil
Communion is another powerful reminder of the veil’s significance. When we partake in communion, we remember Christ’s body, represented by the bread, and His blood, represented by the cup. The veil signifies both the separation and the unity we experience through Christ’s sacrifice. As we eat and drink, we acknowledge that His flesh was torn for us, allowing us to partake in His divine life. This wonderful act of remembrance should inspire us to maintain that connection with one another as members of the body of Christ.
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. – Luke 22:19
1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, – Hebrews 10:19
John 6:51
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. – John 6:51
Revelation 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. – Revelation 19:9
Healing and the Veil
The veil also signifies healing in our hearts and minds. When the veil was torn, it represented freedom and healing for everyone who believes. We can approach God’s presence knowing that we are healed from our past sins, guilt, and shame. God desires to mend our brokenness, and He invites us to bring our burdens to Him. As we lay our burdens before God, let us be assured that He cares for us deeply and wants to restore our lives.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5
James 5:14
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:14
Matthew 8:17
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. – Matthew 8:17
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. – Psalm 147:3
Veil of Darkness vs. Light
The veil also represents the darkness that once hovered over our lives. Before knowing Christ, we were blinded by sin and could not see the light of His truth. The beauty of the Gospel is that the veil of darkness has been lifted, allowing us to see clearly. As we walk in this light, we should encourage each other to shine brightly in the world, reflecting Christ’s love to those still trapped behind their veils of darkness.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. – 2 Corinthians 4:4
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. – John 8:12
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9
John 1:5
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. – John 1:5
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Living Beyond the Veil
Living beyond the veil means embracing the new life we have in Christ. We are called to love and serve each other, fully aware that we are free to walk in the confidence of our salvation. The veil has been removed, and we can live in that freedom, sharing the good news with others and allowing it to transform our lives every day. Together, let’s step out boldly and live as children of the Light.
Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. – Galatians 5:1
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. – Romans 8:1
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. – Colossians 3:2
Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: – Philippians 3:20
Final Thoughts
As we delve into the meaning of the veil, we recognize its significance in the Bible about our relationship with God. The tearing of the veil symbolizes how we can approach God freely and intimately through Christ. His sacrifice on the cross opened the door for us to receive healing, light, and new life.
By reflecting on these biblical truths, we can understand how the veil’s removal encourages us to live boldly in our faith and share the good news with others. Let us embrace the freedom we now have and encourage one another as we journey together in Christ.
We invite you to explore more about the glory of God in Hebrews and glory of creation to deepen your understanding of God’s majesty and plan for our lives.