The Voice Of The Veil
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is by His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22)
"During the lifetime of Jesus, the holy temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life. The temple was the place where animal sacrifices were carried out and worship according to the Law of Moses was followed faithfully. Hebrews 9:1-9 tells us that in the temple a veil separated the Holy of Holies—the earthly dwelling place of God’s presence—from the rest of the temple where men dwelt. This signified that man was separated from God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). Only the high priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil once each year (Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:7) to enter into God’s presence for all of Israel and make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16). So, what do we make of this? What significance does this torn veil have for us today? Above all, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus’ death dramatically symbolized that His sacrifice, the shedding of His own blood, was a sufficient atonement for sins. It signified that now the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile.(GotQuestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html)
So if the veil that hung in the temple could speak, what would it say to us today?
I believe that the key word it says to us, is the word "access." Because of the tearing of the veil, we have total atonement
for sin, by the sacrifice of Jesus, Christ. Now we have "access" to the presence of God. Such a wonderful blessing that we should take advantage of.
The Hebrew writer tells us to "draw near", to come near to the throne of grace. Come into the presence of God with boldness.
I can say with boldness that a lot of people, don't see this as having any significance at all. It comes down to the fact that people do not see their need for God in their lives. They don't see the need of having a Savior. "Why do I need to be saved?" "Saved from who, and what?"
When I look at society, and even the church, I see such pride, arrogance, conceit. Look at who I am, and what I am doing. I don't need anyone except those people I can take advantage of, who can do something for me, to bolster my ego, to enhance my self-sufficiency.
My response to this is, I need a Savior! I am a sinner who needs to draw near to the throne of grace, and as Paul says in Romans 5:2 to stand in this grace.
I along with the world, need to have my heart cleansed of an "evil conscience', and my "body"(Mind, body and soul) washed in the blood of Jesus. The veil being torn, speaks to me of the blessed privilege and gift, to come (not through a representative) but of my own accord to Jesus, and submit myself to His grace and Lordship over my life. I see this need for me, and countless others.
We are so sick with sin, selfishness, and self-sufficiency. We are going down a path of destruction led by Satan and the world.
The veil has been torn, from top to bottom in the temple. No one did this but God Himself. He opened the door for all Jews and Gentiles, to experience all the spiritual blessings that He has to offer. (Ephesians 1:3)
How sad for us, if we don't come through that spiritual veil, and be made ready to receive God's eternal blessings today, and forever! GP
Photo: Steve Creitz - GoodSalt.com
Tuesday: Torn Veil and Rent Rocks/Sabbath School Net
Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com