Have you ever thought about the sheer panic that must have taken place in the temple when the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom when Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last (Mk 15:37, 38)? The veil was a just a curtain but provided a barrier so that sinful man could not inadvertently enter into God’s presence. In Herod’s temple, it was 60 feet in height, 30 feet in width and four inches thick shielding God from sinful man and sinful man from a Holy God. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement offering blood for himself and the people. Before he entered, he inserted a censer of incense that filled the room with smoke blocking him from seeing anything. The high priest tied a rope around his leg so the other priest could put him out in case he died inside since no one else could enter and retrieve the body. Jesus’ death on the cross, a once for all sacrifice obtaining eternal redemption, removed the veil opening the way to all believer who can now boldly enter into the presence of God.
Historians mention that something traumatic happened in the temple on that day but no records exist of what the priest did afterward. Did they sew the veil back together? Did they make a new one? Even if they did, the earthly Temple was only a copy of the true Temple in heaven where no veil exists. For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb 9:24). Many Jews received Jesus as Messiah and entered through the new and living way drawing near to God. Yet, others remained under the old covenant leaving the veil in place over their hearts. The author of the Book of Hebrews writes to Jewish believers who were considering renouncing Jesus and returning to the temple and the old covenant cutting off their access to the Father. The writer warns them of the grave consequences.
I’ve come to realize that we must guard against putting up new veils. If your moment of salvation was like mine, you instantly felt freedom as never before. Any question or doubt about God disappeared. Yet, people soon began hanging new veils. My veils were traditions, rules, laws, teachings of men, works, etc. Be aware the longer we allow veils to remain, the thicker they become. I praise the Lord through the Word and the Holy Spirit I have torn down these man made curtains. Yet, for some of us the potential for another veil exists within us, which can rob us the complete freedom we receive in Christ. We are those logical, analytical, deep thinkers. I’ve never read anything addressing this, but I’m sure I am not alone. My wife is the exact opposite. She’s like those who a have a bumper sticker that reads: He Said It—I Believe It—That settles it. I would begin by asking why He said it, what does this mean, did I interpret this verse correctly, does this apply to me, thus begins my endless analytical pondering. God made some believers this way because the church needs those who ask questions. However, we must guard that it doesn’t become a stumbling block or a new veil. Satan can also tempt those with this mind-set with numerous opportunities for doubt.
Other believers are hesitant to approach the presence of God even though they know the veil is gone and have no man-made veils. Fear probably tops the list of hindrances. When Israel arrived at Mt. Sinai, All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance (Exo 20:18). In the following verses, simply put, they told Moses he could go, then come and tell them what He said. They refused to go any closer. How many people sit in church and depend on the pastor or a minister to go beyond the veil, then come and tell them what God said. They are afraid of entering and never experience the presence of God for themselves. Feeling unworthy can hinder people from entering. Let me assure you, “You are unworthy.” In fact we all are. No one enters by their own merit but through Christ we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus (Heb 10:19). Others may say, “I’ve sinned.” Ok, so has everybody else. Dealing with sin is simple. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9). Then we can 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 (Heb 10:22 NIV).
The fearful, those who feel unworthy, and those who have sinned but received forgiveness and still fail to enter haven’t fully embraced what Christ did for us. No panic or fear should hinder us when we entered through Christ into the presence of God.
Sustaining Word for the Week: If you or other people have installed new veils, tear them down. If you are afraid, feel unworthy, or sinned, confess them embrace all Jesus has done for you and enter into the presence of God.