Access Granted: The Significance of the Torn Veil

 

Summary

The rending of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus' death is a profound symbol of the new access believers have to God. This event, described in Matthew 27:50-51 and Hebrews 10:19-20, signifies the end of the old covenant of separation and the beginning of a new covenant of direct access to God through Jesus Christ. The veil, a substantial and sacred fabric, was torn from top to bottom, indicating that this was an act of God, not man. This tearing symbolizes the end of the ceremonial law and the old system of sacrifices and priesthood, which were mere shadows of the reality to come in Christ.

The death of Jesus is the ultimate miracle, surpassing all others, as it bridges the gap between God and humanity. It is a marvel that the divine Lord, veiled in mortal flesh, would submit to death, thus opening the way for believers to enter into the holiest place, the very presence of God. This access is not just a physical or ceremonial act but a spiritual reality, allowing believers to commune with God without fear or separation.

The rending of the veil also signifies the removal of sin, the true barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus' sacrifice, sin is forgiven, and believers are justified, allowing them to approach God with confidence. This new access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe in Jesus. The way to God is now open, and believers are invited to enter boldly, assured of their acceptance and welcome.

This access is not temporary or conditional; the veil is permanently removed, and nothing can separate believers from the love of God. This truth should embolden believers to live in close communion with God, experiencing the joy and peace that come from being in His presence. The invitation is to draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith, knowing that Jesus, our great high priest, has made the way open and secure.

Key Takeaways:

- The Miracle of Access: The tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' death symbolizes the miraculous access believers now have to God. This act signifies the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new, direct relationship with God through Jesus. The veil's rending is a divine act, emphasizing that God Himself has opened the way for us. [02:27]

- The End of Separation: The rending of the veil marks the end of the separation between God and humanity. Sin, the true barrier, is removed through Jesus' sacrifice, allowing believers to approach God with confidence and assurance of forgiveness. This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe. [10:56]

- Permanent Access: The veil is not just rolled up but permanently torn, signifying that nothing can separate believers from God's love. This truth should embolden us to live in close communion with God, experiencing the joy and peace of His presence. The invitation is to draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith. [18:16]

- The Role of Jesus as High Priest: Jesus, our great high priest, has made the way open and secure. His sacrifice is perfect and eternal, ensuring our acceptance before God. We are invited to follow Him into the inner sanctuary, confident in our relationship with God. [46:26]

- Living in Boldness: Believers are called to live boldly, knowing that the way to God is always open. This boldness is grounded in the assurance of Jesus' sacrifice and the permanent removal of the veil. We are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that we are welcomed and loved. [39:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Rending of the Veil
- [00:48] - The Marvel of Jesus' Death
- [01:55] - Significance of the Veil's Tearing
- [03:19] - End of the Ceremonial Law
- [04:10] - Open Access to the Holiest
- [06:05] - Abolishment of Separation
- [09:44] - Removal of Sin
- [12:07] - Transformation Through Christ
- [14:21] - Bridging the Gap Between God and Man
- [17:06] - Exclusive Access Through Jesus
- [18:53] - Permanent Removal of the Veil
- [22:04] - Boldness to Enter
- [29:22] - Power of Prayer in the Holiest
- [36:22] - Priestly Privileges and Boldness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 27:50-51
- Hebrews 10:19-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant event occurred at the moment of Jesus' death according to Matthew 27:50-51, and what does it symbolize? [00:12]

2. How does Hebrews 10:19-20 describe the new way believers can enter into the holiest place, and what is the significance of this description? [00:30]

3. In the sermon, what is described as the ultimate miracle that surpasses all others, and why is it considered so? [00:48]

4. What does the tearing of the temple veil signify about the old system of sacrifices and priesthood? [03:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the rending of the veil illustrate the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ? Consider the implications of this transition for believers. [03:19]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of sin as a barrier between God and humanity, and how is this barrier removed through Jesus' sacrifice? [10:56]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus as our high priest, and what does this mean for our relationship with God? [46:26]

4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to live boldly in light of the permanent access to God provided by Jesus' sacrifice? [39:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How does the truth of the veil being torn change your perspective on approaching God with confidence? [09:08]

2. The sermon emphasizes living in close communion with God. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [18:16]

3. Consider the idea of Jesus as our high priest who has made the way open and secure. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions? [46:26]

4. The sermon calls believers to live boldly. Identify an area in your life where you need to exercise more boldness in your faith. What specific action can you take to demonstrate this boldness? [39:02]

5. How can you remind yourself daily of the permanent access you have to God through Jesus, especially during challenging times? [18:16]

6. The sermon speaks of the removal of sin as a barrier. Is there a sin or guilt that you need to let go of to fully embrace the forgiveness offered through Jesus? [10:56]

7. How can you encourage others in your community to understand and live out the truth of having direct access to God through Jesus? [09:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Miracle of Divine Access
The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death is a profound symbol of the new access believers have to God. This act signifies the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new, direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The veil, a substantial and sacred fabric, was torn from top to bottom, indicating that this was an act of God, not man. This tearing symbolizes the end of the ceremonial law and the old system of sacrifices and priesthood, which were mere shadows of the reality to come in Christ. The miracle of access is not just a physical or ceremonial act but a spiritual reality, allowing believers to commune with God without fear or separation. [02:27]

Hebrews 10:19-20 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh."

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt distant from God. How can you embrace the truth of this new access to draw near to Him today?


Day 2: The End of Separation
The rending of the veil marks the end of the separation between God and humanity. Sin, the true barrier, is removed through Jesus' sacrifice, allowing believers to approach God with confidence and assurance of forgiveness. This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe. The removal of sin is a transformative act that invites believers into a relationship with God that is characterized by intimacy and trust. The end of separation means that believers can now live in the freedom and joy of being fully known and fully loved by God. [10:56]

Ephesians 2:13-14 (ESV): "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."

Reflection: Identify a barrier in your life that keeps you from experiencing God's presence. What steps can you take to remove this barrier and draw closer to Him?


Day 3: Permanent Access to God's Presence
The veil is not just rolled up but permanently torn, signifying that nothing can separate believers from God's love. This truth should embolden us to live in close communion with God, experiencing the joy and peace of His presence. The invitation is to draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith, knowing that Jesus, our great high priest, has made the way open and secure. This permanent access is a reminder that God's love is unchanging and His invitation to us is always open. [18:16]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt separated from God's love. How can you remind yourself of the permanent access you have to His presence today?


Day 4: Jesus as Our Great High Priest
Jesus, our great high priest, has made the way open and secure. His sacrifice is perfect and eternal, ensuring our acceptance before God. We are invited to follow Him into the inner sanctuary, confident in our relationship with God. This role of Jesus as high priest emphasizes His ongoing intercession for us and His role as the mediator of the new covenant. As believers, we are called to trust in His perfect work and to rest in the assurance that He has made the way for us to enter into God's presence. [46:26]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus as your high priest? How can you rely on His intercession and mediation today?


Day 5: Living Boldly in Faith
Believers are called to live boldly, knowing that the way to God is always open. This boldness is grounded in the assurance of Jesus' sacrifice and the permanent removal of the veil. We are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that we are welcomed and loved. Living in boldness means embracing the freedom and security that come from being in a relationship with God and allowing that confidence to shape our daily lives and interactions with others. [39:02]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to act with boldness and faith. How can you draw on the assurance of God's love and presence to take that step today?

Quotes

The death of our Lord Jesus Christ was fitly surrounded by Miracles yet it is itself so much greater a Wonder than all besides that it as far exceeds them as the sun outshines the planets which surround it. It seems natural enough that the Earth should Quake that tombs should be opened and that the veil of the temple should be rent when he who only hath immortality giveth up the ghost. [00:43:36]

The rent of the veil seemed to say henceforth God dwells no longer in the thick darkness of the holy of holies and shines forth no longer from between the cherubim. The special enclosure is broken up and there is no inner sanctuary for the Earthly high priest to enter typical atonements and sacrifices are at an end according to the explanation given in our second text. [03:42:12]

The tearing of the veil laid open the secret place the rent from top to bottom gives ample space for all to enter who are called of God's grace to approach the throne and to commune with the Eternal one. Upon that subject I shall try to speak this morning praying in my inmost soul that you and I with all other believers may have boldness actually to enter into that which is within the veil. [04:34:39]

The invitation is come unto me all ye that labor into heavy laden let us draw near is now the filial spirit of the Gospel. How thankful I am for this what a joy it is to my soul some of God's people have not yet realized this gracious fact for still they worship a far off. Very much of prayer is to be highly commended for its reverence but it has in it a lack of childlike confidence. [07:59:59]

The veil is rent access is free come boldly to the throne of grace Jesus has made thee nigh as nigh to God as even he himself is though we speak of the holiest of all even the secret place of the most high yet it is of this place of all even of this sanctuary of Jehovah that the Veil is rent therefore let nothing hinder thine entrance assuredly no law forbids thee but infinite love invites thee to draw nigh to God. [09:00:16]

Our Lord Jesus Christ put away sin by the sacrifice of himself he taketh away the sin of the world and so the the veil is rent by the shedding of his most precious blood we are cleansed from all sin and that most gracious promise of the New Covenant is fulfilled their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. When sin is gone the barrier is broken down the unfathomable Gulf is filled. [10:53:39]

The death of Jesus is the guarantee of the eternal life and of all for whom he died we must have boldness to enter for we shall not perish our boldness arises from the Perfection of his sacrifice read the 14th verse he hath perfected forever them that are Sanctified we rely upon the sacrifice of Christ believing that he was such a perfect substitute for us that it is not possible for us to die after our substitute has died. [34:53:04]

We have boldness to enter in there are degrees in boldness but this is one of the highest when the veil was rent it required some boldness to look within I wonder whether the priests at the altar did have the courage to gaze upon the mercy seat I suspect that they were so struck with amazement that they fled from the altar fearing sudden death it requires a measure of boldness steadily to look upon the mystery of God. [22:20:12]

The way is open and you have boldness to enter but not without the blood of Jesus it would be an Unholy boldness which would think of drawing near to God without the blood of the great sacrifice we have always to plead the atonement as without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin so without that blood there is no access to God. [41:00:48]

The way to God in heaven through Jesus Christ is dedicated by the Savior for Sinners it is the King's Highway for wayfaring men who abound for the city of God therefore let us use it consecrated for us blessed word lastly it is a christly way for when we come to God we still come through his flesh there is no coming to Jehovah except accept by the Incarnate God. [44:26:00]

We are called to take holy freedoms with God let us draw near at once with a True Heart in full Assurance of Faith let us do so boldly for we have a great high priest the 21st verse reminds us of this Jesus is the great priest and we are the sub priests under him and since he bids us come near to God and himself leads the way let us follow him into the inner Sanctuary. [46:26:00]

The Apostle tells us that we may not only come with boldness because our high priest leads the way. [47:09:36]

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Transcript
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