The Veil in the Temple at Jerusalem
A strange picture of a torn curtain, which was for the Jewish priests in the time of King Herod a shocking and terrifying event.
If you are not aware of the religious rituals and commands that the Lord God gave to the Hebrews you would not realise just how catastrophic this incident was. About the 13th century BC the children of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt through God's servant Moses. The Lord God gave him the 10 Commandments and the law, and instructions how the Hebrews were to approach Him to find forgiveness.
God by His very nature is holy and dwells in unapproachable light, no sinful man could enter His Presence and live, he would be consumed immediately. So the Lord in His mercy gave Moses the instructions for their protection from Himself.
This artists impression is an illustration of the most Holy place in the temple, where a thick veil separated the Holy place from the Holy of Holies. Only one day in the year was the High Priest allowed to enter, on the Day of Atonement. On that day he would enter with the blood of the sacrifice to secure forgiveness for his own sin and the sin of the nation.
The Veil was like a very thick carpet separating the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant stood. The Ark was where the Presence of God was manifested. Inside the Ark was the pot of manna to remember how God fed them for 40 years in the desert, Aarons rod that blossomed, and the two tablets of stone the Ten Commandments.
This was made with special wood and overlaid with pure gold, on the lid were two cherubim with wings touching, looking down onto the Mercy Seat where the High priest would sprinkle the blood on the Day of Atonement.
The permanent Temple was built by King Solomon, King David's son in Jerusalem, 957 BC, which replaced the portable Tabernacle that had been used in the wilderness wanderings. Three temples have been built- but the final temple was reconstructed by King Herod in 37BC and only finished in 64AD, 6 years before the Roman army under Titus demolished it in 70AD.
From that day the Ark of the Covenant disappeared, many stories have been put forward as to where it went, but one thing we know, the Roman army never took it when they plundered the temple of its wealth. The Arch of Titus in Rome depicts the carrying away of the temple articles but the Ark is not among them. It may have been hidden by the priests or the Lord may have removed it Himself, but to this day no one knows, not even Indiana Jones!
The main reason for telling this account is because this thick Veil was torn from top to bottom - not bottom to top, by the hand of God when the sinless Son of God died on the cross. This momentous event was the physical sign of a spiritual miracle.
The Way back to God had been opened.
This miraculous event was accomplished when the Lord Jesus took upon Himself the sin of the world. For 6 hours Jesus hung on the cross but the last 3 hours the land and possibly a large part of the earth was plunged into darkness. There has never been a moment in history to compare with it. This darkness was not an eclipse that only lasts for maximum 15 minutes.
In those 3 hours Jesus bore the wrath of God for us that we in order for us to be set free. The penalty for our sin had been taken away. The moment Jesus died that Veil was rent in two!
Now for all who put their trust in Jesus there is forgiveness and the freedom from guilt and sin.
The blood of Jesus was sufficient for all men to be forgiven, no more animals to be sacrificed, no more temples, no more rituals, altars, priestly robes or costly vessels and instruments are needed to find forgiveness. It is by Christ alone that we are set free, there is no other Way we can be saved from eternal punishment.
When Jesus alone had purged our sins He rose from the dead 3 days later and is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3
'He that believes in the Son has everlasting life, but he that does not believe in the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on him'
Only in this life can we find forgiveness, once we leave this world there is no second chance to repent, or we will face judgement. The repentant thief on his cross found forgiveness by calling on the Lord Jesus, he had no opportunity to put things right or to earn his way to heaven by good deeds or works, he was dying, he came as he was and Jesus forgave him-
On that day, by faith in Jesus alone, he entered heaven, and that is the only Way anyone can enter heaven, we cannot get there by our own good deeds, God does not weigh the good we have done with the evil, our sin is against God it is eternal and cannot be forgiven without a Saviour!
Bible says:
For by grace we are saved though faith and that is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God so no one can boast.
Ephesians 2
Where will your destiny be?
Welcome to Dunk's Green Free Church
Dunk's Green Evangelical Church is the last remaining independent village church in the Tonbridge and Sevenoaks area. First established in 1838, today's church remains true to its founders' original vision -- to preach the full Gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage local people to seek and trust Him alone for their salvation.
Enquiries: epastor@dunkschurch.org
