The veil in the temple was a powerful symbol of separation between God and humanity. It marked the boundary between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwelled. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. But at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil was torn in two—signifying that through Christ, the barrier between God and man was removed. These verses explore the veil’s meaning, its tearing, and the access we now have to God through Jesus.
Also Read: Bible Verses About The Holy Spirit In Us
The Veil as a Symbol of Separation
In the Old Testament, the veil in the tabernacle and later the temple represented the holiness of God and the separation from sinful man. It was a reminder that no one could enter God’s presence without purification and sacrifice. The veil stood as a physical and spiritual barrier, emphasizing God’s perfect holiness and humanity’s need for atonement. These verses show the importance of the veil in worship and God’s dwelling place.
Exodus 26:33
“Hang the inner curtain from clasps, and put the Ark of the Covenant in the room behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”
Leviticus 16:2
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Warn your brother, Aaron not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die.'”
Hebrews 9:7
“But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”
Numbers 18:7
“But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and within the curtain. I am giving you this service of priesthood as a gift.”
2 Chronicles 3:14
“He made the curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim embroidered on it.”
The Veil and the Presence of God
The veil was not just a physical object but a spiritual marker of God’s presence. Behind it dwelled the Ark of the Covenant and the glory of the Lord. It was a sacred place, entered with awe and fear. These verses describe the reverence associated with the veil and the presence of God that dwelled beyond it. It reminds us of God’s holiness and majesty, and the deep mystery of His dwelling among His people.
Exodus 40:34
“Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.”
1 Kings 8:10-11
“When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of the Lord.”
Hebrews 9:3-4
“There was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant.”
Exodus 25:22
“I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant.”
Leviticus 16:12-13
“He will take a censer full of burning coals and incense into the Lord’s presence. The cloud of incense will cover the atonement cover so that he will not die.”
The Death of Jesus and the Tearing of the Veil
When Jesus died, a dramatic and symbolic event occurred—the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This signified the end of the old covenant and the beginning of new access to God through Christ. No longer was the Most Holy Place off limits. Jesus, through His sacrifice, opened the way for all people to approach God freely. These verses reveal the powerful moment of that divine tearing.
Matthew 27:51
“At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart.”
Mark 15:38
“And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
Luke 23:45
“The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.”
Hebrews 10:20
“By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.”
John 19:30
“When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Jesus Our Great High Priest
Jesus fulfilled the role of the High Priest once and for all. Unlike the priests who had to go behind the veil year after year, Jesus entered the heavenly Most Holy Place and offered His own blood for our redemption. Now, He stands as our eternal mediator before God. These verses show how Jesus’ priesthood is superior and eternal, giving us permanent access to the Father.
Hebrews 4:14
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.”
Hebrews 7:27
“Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins.”
Hebrews 9:11-12
“So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven… with his own blood.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 8:1
“We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Jesus Ascending Into Heaven
Access to God Through Christ
The tearing of the veil opened the way for all believers to access God directly. We no longer need a human priest to go before God on our behalf. Through Jesus, we can enter God’s presence with confidence. This new relationship is based on grace, not law, and it invites us into fellowship with the Creator. These scriptures highlight our new access to God through Jesus.
Hebrews 4:16
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Ephesians 2:18
“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”
Romans 5:2
“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand.”
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.”
John 14:6
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'”
The New Covenant and Relationship with God
The tearing of the veil marked the beginning of the New Covenant—an era of grace, relationship, and intimacy with God. No longer bound by rituals and regulations, we are now invited into a personal connection with the Father through the finished work of Jesus. These verses reveal the new covenant promises and the freedom we have to walk closely with our Creator.
Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel… I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts.”
Hebrews 8:10
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts.”
2 Corinthians 3:16
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
Galatians 3:26
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:15
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.”
The Call to Draw Near
Now that the veil has been torn, the invitation stands open for every believer to draw near to God. We are not only permitted but encouraged to enter His presence daily through prayer, worship, and obedience. These verses encourage us to live in constant communion with God, embracing the privilege that Christ made possible through His death and resurrection.
James 4:8
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
Psalm 145:18
“The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”
Hebrews 10:19
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.”
Psalm 73:28
“But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter.”
Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.”