Bringing Down the Curtain
“We have, then, my friends, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain—that is, through his own body. We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith…”
Heb. 10:19-22 (GNT)
The original recipients of this text would have heard these words with an awe and wonder that we could never know. They were very familiar with the curtain of separation described here.
Sixty feet tall, thirty feet wide, and six inches thick it hung in the Temple in front of the most sacred of all spaces – the Holy of Holies. This was an area that was completely off-limits.
Worshipers in that day were governed by strict rules of access. Gentiles could only come in so far. Jewish women could come further into what was called the Outer Court, but then they were stopped. Jewish men could move in closer, into the Inner Court, but then they hit another barrier. That barrier cordoned off the Priest’s Court where sacrifices where made.
And then there was the sanctuary itself. The outer room, called the Holy Place, contained a lampstand, the table holding the 12 loaves of showbread, and the altar of incense. Only priests could enter there.
But there was one more area, one separated from all others by the aforementioned curtain – the Holy of Holies. No one could enter this place except for the High Priest and only on one day a year.
The Holy of Holies housed the most sacred of all relics – the Ark of the Covenant. And here, over the Ark, God’s shekinah glory – His manifest presence – shown. Again, no one but the High Priest could enter here upon pain of death.
In no uncertain terms, the curtain declared, “This far and no farther.”
The message was clear. God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness cannot coexist. He is utterly separate from us and totally unapproachable for us.
The message of the curtain was clear. God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness cannot coexist. He is utterly separate from us and totally unapproachable for us.
Which brings us to Good Friday. In the midst of all the events that took place on Calvary, one took place down off that hill and over in the Temple.
Matthew records it this way: “And when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:50-51 italics mine).
What was that loud cry? “It is finished!” Literally, “Paid in full.” That moment in time changed everything for all time.
The debt for sin was paid. The lack of holiness was filled up. The separation between God and man was dealt with.
And, as evidence of this, down came the curtain. It’s as if the hands of heaven gripped the veil and tore it from top to bottom.
What did the torn curtain mean?
For those first-century Jewish believers it meant no more barrier between them and God. No more requirement for priests to act as intermediaries. No more need for animal sacrifices.
And for us? What does the torn curtain signify for us?
For those who have personally appropriated Jesus’ sacrifice by admitting their need, confessing their sins, and embracing Him as Savior, access to God’s very presence is granted (Ephesians 2:13).
We are not merely allowed but totally welcome to enter into God’s presence – on any day, at any time, for any reason.
The torn curtain means that through Christ we are not merely allowed, but totally welcome to enter into God’s presence – on any day, at any time, for any reason.
The problem is, sometimes we hesitate to do so. We don’t think our need merits God’s attention. Or we allow our failures and foul-ups to suggest that we need to keep our distance.
We think that God is disappointed with us or angry at us. But it’s not that way.
God is waiting for us. He is eager to receive us. He longs to be with us.
Let this stunning reality sink in. And let it transform how you view life.
The curtain between us and God is still torn. The door to His presence is still open. And He continues to invite us in.
Prayer:
Jesus, I sit in stunned awe at the immensity of your sacrifice and the awesomeness of your accomplishment. You not only provided the payment for my sin, allowing me to become a citizen of heaven. You provided a way through the curtain that enabled me to have access to God.
Help me to never doubt the wonder of the former or the privilege of the latter. May I ever and always know that I need have no fear of entering God’s presence – on any day, at any time, for any reason.
Devotionals for Every Day Disciples is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.