Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 8/14/2007

Question
Don
 Imediately after Jesus died, the curtain at the entrance to the holy of holys in the temple was torn in half.
 Can you explain the reason, signifagance and/or symbolism
for this event?
                                    thanks
                                    Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,

Thanks for this great question.

Matthew 27:50-51
50  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 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;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

THe veil seperated the common place from the holy place where the mercy seat was.  Before Christ died on the cross, only the High Priest could have direct access to God and then only once a year.

Leviticus 16:2
2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

When Jesus died, that separation was gone, people could enter into God's presence boldly.

Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don