INTRODUCTION
As we commemorate the atoning death of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world, and his resurrection from the dead, let us reflect on the symbolism of ‘the renting of the temple vail’. The scriptures explain that when Jesus had cried with a loud voice and yielded up the ghost, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom…” (Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-38; Luke 23:44-47).
The “vail” hung in the “tabernacle of witness”, when Israel was in the wilderness”; and later on, in the temple at Jerusalem. It was made of “blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims”. (Exodus 26:31; Acts 7:44).
- ‘WITHIN THE VAIL’: THE MOST HOLY PLACE
The ‘temple vail’ separated the “holy place” from the “most holy” place known as the ‘Holy of Holies’. “Within the vail” is the holiest place of the Old Testament tabernacle or temple. Herein was kept the “ark of the testimony” otherwise known as the ‘ark of the covenant’ or ‘ark of God’. (Exodus 26:33; 1 Samuel 3:3; Hebrews 9:3-4).
On top of the “ark of the testimony” was “the mercy seat” which was made of solid gold. The “mercy seat” made provision to obtain the mercy of God by the blood of sacrificial offerings made by the Priests on behalf of the people for the atonement of sins. (Exodus 26 :33-34; Hebrew 9:5)
- SEPARATION FROM GOD
The division of the “holy place” from the “most holy place” by the vail prior to its renting at the death of Christ, represents, in several symbolisms, the separation of mankind from the Most Holy God. It signified “the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations”. (Isaiah 25:7).
The vail hid the revelation of the ONLY TRUE GOD in Spirit and Jesus Christ; and restricted access to the “most holy” presence of God because of sin. (John 4:24, 17:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Matthew 16:17).
- THE CURSE OF DEATH
The ‘temple vail’ symbolised the curse of death, incurred by the sin of Adam and Eve, who believed Satan over God and were restricted from accessing the Holy presence of God (Genesis 2:17, 3:4-6,8, & 28; Romans 5:12; Isaiah 25:8). Hence, by the vail of separation, “any stranger” that came near the “most holy place” within the ‘temple vail’, other than the high priest was to be put to death. (Numbers 18:7).
The separation from God under the ‘curse of death’ was such that, to avoid death, even Aaron the high priest, was forbidden to come into “the holy place within the vail” at all times: since God appeared in the cloud upon the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 18:7).
The high priest was only permitted to enter “within the vail” once every year after he had offered blood of animals for himself, and for the sins of the people. (Hebrew 9:7; Leviticus 16:15-16). If the high priests entered into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat at any other time they would die. (Leviticus 16:1-2, 12, 15).
- DARKENED HEARTS AND MINDS
Brethren, the “vail” darkened the hearts and blinded the minds of people then, and even now, from discerning and or believing in the word of God. Paul observes that “…until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament…”. (2 Corinthians 3:14).
Therefore, the gospel of Christ is vailed or hid from those that are lost and from unbelievers, who are blinded by “the god of this world”. Their unbelief vails “the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God [from shining] unto them”. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Only God can tear the vail covering over the darkened and “stony heart” and replace with a “new heart” and a “new spirit” that will cause men to know him, believe his word, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27). And has done so by the death and resurrection of Christ as depicted by the ‘renting of the temple vail’. Glory to God!
- THE VAIL IS DONE AWAY IN CHRIST
Brethren, the “vail is done away in Christ”! Hallelujah! (2 Corinthians 3:14). The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross which atones for our sins, paved the way for believers to obtain free an unrestricted access to Father God. Christ is “the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man”. (Hebrews 8:2).
The “ark of the covenant” and the “mercy seat” that were within the vail represented God’s Holy word and his redemptive power. God has manifested both his covenant and power of salvation through Jesus, who is “the Word [that] was made flesh” as the “Son of God”; and who died to save the world from sin and death (Luke 1:31-35; John 1:14). He is thus the way and reconciliation with the holiest.
- CHRIST: OUR WAY INTO THE HOLIEST
Brethren, “The Holy Ghost [reveals] that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing”; until by Christ, who is “the way, the truth and the life”. (Hebrew 9:8; John 14:6). His death atoned for our sins and ushered a way into the grace of God, where we may serve Him in spirit and in truth. (John 1:17; 4:24).
Christ death fulfilled God’s promise “to destroy… the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations… [and to] swallow up death in victory” (Isaiah 25:7-8). And as God commanded light to shine out of darkness, so also by the renting of the temple vail, “hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. (2 Corinthians 4:6).
“The blood of Christ, [has through] the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God, [to cleanse] our conscience from deadly works to serve the living God”. We are thereby sanctified and made perfect through the offering of his body “once for all”. And “the Holy Ghost bears witness to us. (Hebrew 9:14; 10:10 & 14-15).
- JESUS: THE ‘TEMPLE VAIL’ OF RECONCILIATION
‘Within the vail’ of the old covenant, the high priest made a reconciliation between ‘the most holy place’ and the tabernacle of the congregation through the sacrificial offerings of animals. (Leviticus 16: 20).
But under the new covenant, Jesus Christ is the torn “temple vail” that reconciles mankind with God, and grants us
free access. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…”. (2 Corinthians 5:18).
- THE LIVING ‘TEMPLE VAIL’
Jesus spoke of the “temple” of his body when he answered the Jews saying, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”. (John 2:19,21; Matthew 12:6). And “through the veil, that is to say, his flesh”, he has consecrated for us “a new and living way”, to enter into the holiest by his blood. (Hebrew 10:19-21). By this ‘new living way, through the ‘vail of reconciliation’, believers are the “temple of God” and the spirit of God dwells in us. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17;1 Peter 2:5).
- ‘WITHIN THE VAIL’: THRONE OF GRACE
Brethren, The prophet Isaiah proclaims:“…this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation”. (Isaiah 25:9). The “tabernacle of witness” which was made according to the “fashion” revealed to Moses, was “brought in with Jesus into the possession of the gentiles…” (Acts 7: 44-45; Exodus 26:30).
This is what God ordained saying to Israel, “…even tomorrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen…”; and he will be sanctified in those that come near him. (Numbers 16:5; Leviticus 10:3).
My people of God, “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.” (Hebrew 4: 14-16).
Open your hearts today and reflect deeply upon the work of God in Christ, by his death and resurrection. Believe from the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead; and confess him as your Lord and saviour and the Holy Spirit, which is the power of God will rent your temple vail unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10;1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 John 4:2).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, I thank you for your word.
We praise you for the Grace of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Gracious God, grant us repentance and mercy to turn unto you with perfect hearts. (Romans 2:4).
Reveal your Son Jesus to thy people, and inspire in them your Holy Spirit to enjoy a spiritual relationship with you.
“O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble”. Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” (Isaiah 33:2; 35:4).
I make this prayer in JESUS Name.
Enjoy a blessed Easter season with love and peace.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 17/04/2022.
