THE VEIL WAS TORN

THE VEIL WAS TORN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 27:45-54

Key Verse: “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 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 10:19-22; Hebrews 9:6-12; Exodus 26:31-33; Ephesians 2:13-18; Colossians 1:20-22; John 14:6

Description: The tearing of the temple veil at Christ's death signified the removal of barriers between God and humanity and the opening of direct access to His presence through Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION
One of the most significant events that occurred at the death of Jesus Christ was the tearing of the temple veil. Matthew records that immediately after Jesus yielded up His spirit, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom. This was not merely a physical occurrence but a profound spiritual declaration from God. The veil had long symbolized separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Its tearing announced that a new and living way into God's presence had been established through the sacrifice of Christ.

Under the Old Testament system, the veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God's manifested presence dwelt. Only the high priest could enter beyond the veil, and only once each year on the Day of Atonement. This restriction reminded Israel that sin created a barrier between humanity and God. No ordinary person could freely approach God's holy presence because the problem of sin had not yet been fully addressed.

When Jesus died on the cross, He accomplished what animal sacrifices could never achieve. Through His perfect sacrifice, the barrier of sin was removed, and access to God became available to all who believe. The torn veil stands as a powerful symbol of redemption, reconciliation, and unrestricted fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.

1. THE VEIL REPRESENTED SEPARATION FROM GOD
The temple veil symbolized the distance between a holy God and sinful humanity.

a) Sin Created a Barrier Between God and Man (Isaiah 59:2)
Human sin separated mankind from intimate fellowship with God.

b) The Veil Restricted Access (Exodus 26:33)
Only selected individuals could approach the Most Holy Place.

c) God's Holiness Required Atonement (Leviticus 16:2)
Access to God's presence required sacrificial cleansing.

d) The Old Covenant Revealed Humanity's Need (Hebrews 9:8)
The sacrificial system pointed to a greater solution yet to come.

Biblical Example: After Adam and Eve sinned, they were expelled from Eden, illustrating how sin separates people from God's presence (Genesis 3:22-24).

2. CHRIST'S SACRIFICE REMOVED THE BARRIER OF SIN
The death of Jesus accomplished complete atonement for humanity.

a) Jesus Became the Perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12)
His blood secured eternal redemption for all who believe.

b) The Penalty of Sin Was Paid (Romans 6:23)
Christ bore the punishment that humanity deserved.

c) Reconciliation Was Accomplished (Colossians 1:20-22)
The cross restored peace between God and humanity.

d) The Work Was Complete (John 19:30)
Jesus fully accomplished the Father's redemptive plan.

Biblical Example: The Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from judgment, foreshadowing Christ's sacrificial work (Exodus 12:7-13).

3. THE TORN VEIL PROVIDED DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD
Believers no longer need a human mediator to approach God.

a) Access Is Now Open to All Believers (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Through Christ, every believer can enter God's presence confidently.

b) Jesus Is Our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Christ continually intercedes on behalf of His people.

c) Fellowship with God Has Been Restored (1 John 1:3)
Believers can enjoy a personal relationship with God.

d) Prayer Becomes a Privilege of Every Child of God (Philippians 4:6)
We can approach God directly with our needs and concerns.

Biblical Example: Stephen saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at God's right hand, demonstrating the believer's access to God through Christ (Acts 7:55-56).

4. THE VEIL WAS TORN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
God Himself initiated the work of salvation.

a) Salvation Is God's Work (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Human effort could never remove the barrier of sin.

b) God Took the Initiative in Redemption (John 3:16)
The Father provided the means of reconciliation.

c) Grace Is Greater Than Human Achievement (Titus 3:5)
Salvation is based on God's mercy rather than human works.

d) Christ Completed What Humanity Could Not (Romans 5:8)
Jesus accomplished redemption through His sacrifice.

Biblical Example: God provided a ram for Abraham's sacrifice, demonstrating that divine provision precedes human effort (Genesis 22:13-14).

5. THE TORN VEIL CREATED A NEW COVENANT RELATIONSHIP
Believers now live under a better covenant established by Christ.

a) The Old Covenant Pointed to Christ (Hebrews 10:1)
The sacrifices and ceremonies foreshadowed His coming.

b) Christ Established a Better Covenant (Hebrews 8:6)
The new covenant provides lasting forgiveness and transformation.

c) God's Law Is Written on Believing Hearts (Hebrews 8:10)
The Holy Spirit enables believers to obey God.

d) Intimacy with God Is Now Available (Jeremiah 31:33-34)
Every believer can know God personally.

Biblical Example: Moses received the covenant on Mount Sinai, but Christ established the new covenant through His blood (Exodus 24:7-8; Luke 22:20).

6. BELIEVERS MUST LIVE IN THE REALITY OF OPEN ACCESS
The torn veil calls believers to confidently approach God.

a) Draw Near with Confidence (Hebrews 10:22)
Believers should approach God with faith and assurance.

b) Maintain a Life of Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Direct access to God should encourage continual communion with Him.

c) Walk in Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Access to God's presence should inspire godly living.

d) Share the Message of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
Believers should proclaim the good news of restored fellowship with God.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul boldly preached reconciliation through Christ because he understood the reality of the new covenant (Acts 20:24).

CONCLUSION
The tearing of the temple veil was one of the most significant signs accompanying the death of Jesus Christ. It declared that the barrier of sin had been removed and that access to God's presence was now available through the finished work of Christ. No longer would people depend upon repeated sacrifices or limited access through earthly priests. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice and eternal High Priest for all who believe.

Today, every believer can approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ has opened the way. The torn veil reminds us that we are no longer separated from God but welcomed into His presence through grace. Let us therefore live with gratitude, draw near to God continually, and rejoice in the privilege of fellowship made possible through the cross of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for opening the way into Your presence through Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to appreciate the privilege of direct access to You in Jesus name.

3. Father, let every barrier hindering my fellowship with You be removed in Jesus name.

4. Lord, draw me into deeper intimacy with Your presence in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to live confidently in the grace of the new covenant in Jesus name.

6. Lord, strengthen my prayer life and communion with You in Jesus name.

7. Father, cleanse my heart and make me holy before You in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to walk in obedience to Your Word in Jesus name.

9. Father, make me an effective ambassador of reconciliation in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let the reality of Christ's finished work transform every area of my life in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall enjoy unhindered access to God's presence.

2. Every barrier between you and your divine purpose shall be removed.

3. The Lord shall draw you into deeper fellowship with Him.

4. Your prayer life shall become stronger and more fruitful.

5. You shall walk confidently in the grace and favour of God.

6. The power of sin and condemnation shall not prevail over your life.

7. You shall experience the blessings of the new covenant in abundance.

8. The Holy Spirit shall guide and strengthen you daily.

9. You shall become a channel of God's love and reconciliation to others.

10. You shall continually enjoy the privileges secured through the finished work of Christ, in Jesus' name. Amen.