On Calvary's HillSample

The Temple Curtain Is Torn

The curtain of the Temple was hung before the Holy of Holies, which was part of the Temple no one could enter. Jewish worshipers could enter the outer court, but only the priests could enter the Holy Place. And no one, except the high priest on one day a year, entered the Holy of Holies. No one. Why? Because the shekinah glory—the glory of God—was present there.

No one but the high priest entered the Holy of Holies. No one. To do so meant death. In no uncertain terms, the curtain declared: “This far and no farther!”

What did fifteen hundred years of a curtain-draped Holy of Holies communicate? Simple. God is holy . . . separate from us and unapproachable. Even Moses was told, “You cannot see my face, because no one can see me and live” (Exodus 33:20 NCV). God is holy, and we are sinners, and there is a distance between us.

But Jesus hasn’t left us with an unapproachable God. “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5 NIV). When Jesus’ flesh was torn on the cross, the curtain was torn in two.

It was as if the hands of heaven had been gripping the veil, waiting for this moment. One instant it was whole; the next it was ripped in two from top to bottom. No delay. No hesitation.

We are welcome to enter into God’s presence—any day, any time. God has removed the barrier that separates us from him. The barrier of sin? Down. No more curtain.

But we have a tendency to put the barrier back up with the curtain of our heart. Sometimes, no, oftentimes, we allow our mistakes and guilty conscience to keep us from God.

Don’t allow a veil of guilt to keep you from your Father. Trust the cross. The curtain is down, the door is open, and you are welcome in God’s presence.