The Torn Veil

A veil can sometimes also be called a curtain. Of course, that puts it in a heavier weight category than a wispy bridal veil.

In celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus, we rarely hear about the miraculous tearing of a temple veil. I recently heard Rick Renner, Bible teacher/author, explain that the torn veil was a hand-breadth thick, taller than any human could simply reach, and 300 priests were needed to install and pull it into place.

I was trying to take notes, but I missed the dimensions. I want the details, so I’ve ordered a copy of his latest book: *Easter: The Rest of the Story. The point is that at the time Jesus gave up His life, a temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Luke 23:45-46). This powerful act of God indicated the transition from the Old to the New Covenant.

Here’s why. The temple had two veils. In the temple Courtyard, the first veil separated it from the Holy Place where the priests could enter to do their assigned duties.

Beyond that, the second veil separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could enter there, and only once a year. On the Day of Atonement, He would enter with the blood of animals as a sacrifice for his sins and those of the people.

That helps us understand these scriptures: Hebrews 9:11-15; 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 2:5-6. There we learn that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. With His blood, He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin to God.  

Something else amazes me. We, as believers, are chosen to be a royal priesthood, a people of God with heavenly assignments (1 Peter 2:9).

We are to minister to one another. For example, have you shared the wonderful virtues of God with anyone lately? Have you spurred someone on to love and do good deeds? Are you faithful in meeting together? (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Why not thank God for the torn veil? I say, “Thank you, God, for Jesus, our new and better way. Amen.”

*Easter: The Rest of the Story, Rick Renner, Harvest House Publishers, 2025, available through christianbooks.com, or anywhere books are sold. CB says it will be shipped in May.

Pixabay: Jesus, Crucifixion; GDJ.