The Veil of Separation

Hebrews 9:3

 

In the tabernacle of the Old Testament the Lord God was set forth as One separated from his people, dwelling in the holy of holies, separated from the holy place, which was called “the sanctuary,” and from the rest of the tabernacle by a thick veil.

 

Within that inner sanctuary, which was called “the holiest of all,” God dwelt alone. His presence was symbolized by the Shekinah glory dwelling above the mercy-seat. No man dared enter that holy place except the high priest of Israel. He was allowed to enter only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, and then only with the blood of the sin-atoning sacrifice.

 

That veil represented the separation of man from God, the division that sin had made, and told the people that man, because of his sin, had no way of access to the holy Lord God. Yet, even in the symbolism of that thick veil, a hint was given that a way of access to God would soon be made. Man was separated from God in the holy place, not by a brick wall or an iron gate, but by a veil, a temporary divider. And that veil was lifted once a year, so that the high priest might go in and draw near to God as the representative of an elect nation.

 

To those who had eyes to see the implication was clear: When Christ, the Lamb of God, was come, sinful men and women would be able to come to God through him.

 

Three hundred and sixty-four days a year the teaching of the veil was, “No admission! Sinful man cannot come near the holy God.” But one day every year the corner of the veil was lifted, and the high priest entered in with the blood of atonement. On that one day, the teaching was, “There is One coming, an High Priest over the house of God, through whose blood atonement a way shall be opened by which sinful men and women can approach the holy God and be accepted.”

 

The priests, the holy place, the most holy place, and the sacrifices of the Mosaic economy were only temporary types and symbols of that which was to come. “But Christ being come” has fulfilled them all. “By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). Do you see that? The Lord Jesus Christ has obtained eternal redemption for his people. His blood has opened a way for sinners to approach God and be accepted of him. — “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph!” (Psalm 47:1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

Listen to sermons at FreeGraceRadio.com