There are a lot of places in scripture where God gives us an earthly example of a heavenly concept to help us understand him. One of my favorites is when the curtain in the inner sanctuary of the temple tore at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross.
Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Mark 15:37, 38 NLT)
What does that mean? Why would a curtain ripping hold enough significance to be included in the documentation of Jesus’ crucifixion?
Well, the curtain in the temple had huge significance to the Jewish people ever since construction of the first Tabernacle in the days of Moses. God’s detailed instructions included this curtain which was to be put in place to enclose the Ark of the Covenant within the Most Holy Place (where God’s glory dwelled among his people). And not even Moses could enter in. (Exodus 40:3; 40:34, 35)
This would remain a vital part of construction of all future temples.
So when God tore the curtain “in two from top to bottom”…he was removing the one thing that had separated his people from him. At that moment, Jesus became the conduit through which we can have direct access to our Heavenly Father.
Can I get an “Amen”?!?!
Once you’ve been redeemed by Christ, don’t let anyone convince you that something can separate you. God made it quite clear that nothing can.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (Hebrews 6:19 NLT)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38 NLT)