by Timothy W. Burnett
Hebrews chapters 7-10 provides excellent details about the veil's purpose and meaning. The Temple and veil made by physical hands were symbolic of what was to come in the future. It says in Hebrews 9:9, "Which was a figure for the time then present..." Later in verse 24 it says, "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, But into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."
During the Old Testament times, the high priest had to enter into the holiest part of the Temple and make sacrifice for the sins of God's people. This had to be done periodically. Our Lord Jesus was the final and everlasting High Priest who did not enter into the physical room, but appeared in the presence of God for all of mankind. His sacrifice was not a bull or goat, but instead he gave himself to be the final Passover lamb according to God's will.
The splitting of the veil represented a complete change of spiritual administrations. This connection can be found in Hebrews 8:8, "For finding fault with them, He says, 'Behold, the days come, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.'" And again in verse 13, "In that He says, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away."
The new covenant is also discussed in Hebrews 9:15, "And for this cause he [Jesus] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
It says in Hebrews 10:9-10, "...'Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.' He takes away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all."
By the death of Jesus Christ, the Old Testament under the law was nullified and the separation between God and His people was ripped in two allowing anybody to enter into the true holiest of holies in the name of Jesus Christ who is currently seated in heaven.
The second covenant represents a new administration known as the "great and notable day of the Lord" as seen in Acts 2:20. This administration is marked by the ability to be sanctified, which is to be filled with holy spirit. It will continue until the day of the Lord is fulfilled.
Let's conclude with Ephesians 2:13-15, "But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances. To make in himself one new man, so making peace."
God lovingly gave His first born beloved son so that we can be free to live life fully in our liberty that is in Christ Jesus. Knowing that God's people are not under the condemnation of the old testament laws, we can richly live more than abundant lives. Praise God for His perfect love toward us through Jesus Christ our Lord!
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