RELIGION REPAIRED THE VEIL
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20
The writer of Hebrews precisely described what took place during Passover. Jesus, our Great High Priest, went behind the veil in the Holy of Holies, when He, the perfect, sacrificial Lamb, was slain and made atonement for our sins once and for all. At this very moment, God the Father ripped the veil from top to bottom. Jesus, our forerunner, went before us and prepared the way for us to come in. No longer would the veil keep us from experiencing the presence and power of God.
History tells us that after Passover, when the priests discovered the torn veil, they had it repaired. History does not specifically mention who made the repair, it simply suggested the repair occurred. The mended veil, sixty feet tall, thirty feet wide, and four inches thick remained intact for forty years until the temple was destroyed by the Roman Empire in 70 AD. The priests did not have a clue as to what had happened. The timing of Jesus’ death and the torn veil was a mere coincidence to them. It was crucial for them to seal the curtain so their rituals could proceed on to The Day of Atonement in approximately six months.
It was business as usual around the temple. Religion repaired the veil. The torn veil, that created a relationship between Jehovah God and all people, was repaired so the law’s restrictions could continue to keep certain people out while allowing only the appointed priests in. Jews and Gentiles continued to approach Solomon’s Porch to hear religious leaders declare the sick to be defiled and unclean. They heard the governing officials pronounce judgments upon criminals, even condemning many to death. The Gentiles could only go as far as their court or they would face the consequence of death. The Jewish women could enter their designated court and place their offering in one of thirteen boxes to financially support the upkeep of the temple as well as the needs of the poor. The Jewish men could step in further and present their sacrifices to the priests while the priests were the only ones permitted in the temple proper.
Religion, man’s futile attempt to reach God, continued to fall short of God’s glory. God, by His demonstration on the cross, said, “Come in and live,” while religion said, “Keep out or die!” It was imperative for the devil to continue to deceive the religious leaders so their influence would continue to lead the lost down the road to destruction. Although Satan knew Jesus had made an opening for everyone to come in, he, through religion, kept people in utter darkness to the truth.
Today, religion continues to keep people from experiencing a relationship with Jesus. Complete access to God is available to all who will believe but religion stands in the way like a big bully, discouraging people from drawing near to God’s throne. A pseudo veil still remains. What does this veil look like? It appears in the form of pride and prejudice. It presents itself in the following ways: “Only good moral people can come to Jesus.” “God cannot and will not love or redeem certain people because of their behaviour or background.”
“God will not accept someone if they are not dressed or act a certain way.” “God only died for certain skin colour.” “God only redeems those He loves and sends the rest to hell.” Can you see the veil?
Has the religiously repaired veil kept you from a personal relationship with Jesus? Jesus tore the veil so you could come in. Stop believing the lie! Hear and heed the voice of Jesus, “Come!” (Revelation 22:17) Have you been guilty of promoting the religious veil? Have your beliefs, words, and actions kept people from experiencing the resurrecting power of Christ? If so, you are the veil! Will you repent of your sin and start inviting everyone to come to Jesus? I have good news, “Sunday’s coming!”
