Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes: The Tearing of the Curtain in the Temple

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The tearing of the curtain in the temple is a profound event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. This event is rich in symbolic meaning and holds significant theological implications within the Christian faith.

Biblical Account

The tearing of the curtain is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to Matthew 27:50-51 , "When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." Similarly, Mark 15:37-38 states, "But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." Luke 23:45 also notes, "The sun was darkened, and the curtain of the temple was torn down the middle."

Symbolism of the Curtain

The curtain, or veil, in the temple was a significant element in Jewish worship. It separated the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the temple where the presence of God was believed to dwell, from the rest of the temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

The curtain's tearing at the moment of Jesus' death symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. It signifies that through Jesus' sacrificial death, access to God is no longer limited to the high priest or confined to a specific place. Instead, believers are granted direct access to God through Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Theological Implications

The tearing of the curtain is a powerful illustration of the new covenant established through Jesus' death and resurrection. It marks the end of the old covenant, characterized by the law and sacrificial system, and the beginning of a new covenant of grace. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body."

This event underscores the belief that Jesus' atoning sacrifice is sufficient for the forgiveness of sins, eliminating the need for continual animal sacrifices. It emphasizes the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, where each individual can approach God directly without the mediation of a human priest.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the context of first-century Judaism, the temple was the center of religious life, and the curtain was a tangible representation of the separation between God and man due to sin. The dramatic tearing of the curtain would have been a shocking and significant event for those familiar with the temple's rituals and significance.

The tearing from top to bottom is often interpreted as an act of God, indicating divine intervention and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. This act would have been seen as a divine endorsement of Jesus' mission and the inauguration of a new era in God's relationship with humanity.

Conclusion

The tearing of the curtain in the temple is a multifaceted symbol within Christian theology, representing the fulfillment of prophecy, the establishment of a new covenant, and the accessibility of God's presence to all believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of Jesus' death and the profound shift from the old covenant to the new.

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Matthew 27:51
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
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