The concept of the "removal of the veil" in the Bible is a profound theme that signifies the transition from obscurity to clarity, from separation to communion, and from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. This theme is primarily explored in the context of the relationship between God and humanity, as well as the understanding of divine truth.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the veil is most notably associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where it served as a physical barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies. This veil symbolized the separation between God and man due to sin. Only the high priest could pass beyond the veil, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2, 15).

The veil also appears in the account of Moses on Mount Sinai. After speaking with God, Moses' face shone with glory, and he wore a veil to shield the Israelites from the radiance of his face (Exodus 34:33-35). This veil represented the people's inability to directly behold the glory of God due to their hardened hearts.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment and deeper meaning of the veil through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospels recount that at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). This miraculous event signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to the Father through the atoning work of Christ.

The Apostle Paul expounds on this theme in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 , Paul writes, "But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." Here, Paul emphasizes that the veil is not merely a physical barrier but a spiritual one, representing the blindness and hardness of heart that prevents understanding of God's truth. In Christ, this veil is removed, allowing believers to see and reflect the glory of the Lord.

Theological Implications

The removal of the veil has profound theological implications. It signifies the inauguration of the New Covenant, where believers are invited into a personal and intimate relationship with God. Hebrews 10:19-20 states, "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 passage underscores the believer's newfound access to God's presence, made possible through the sacrificial death of Christ.

Furthermore, the removal of the veil points to the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers turn to Christ, they are unveiled, and their hearts and minds are enlightened by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is ongoing, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 3:18 : "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Practical Application

For Christians, the removal of the veil encourages a life of boldness and confidence in approaching God. It calls for a continual turning to Christ, who alone can remove the spiritual veil and illuminate the truth of the Gospel. Believers are invited to live in the freedom and light of the New Covenant, reflecting the glory of God in their lives and bearing witness to the transformative power of Christ.