Matthew 27:50-51 (NKJV)

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice  and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.

Mathew vividly describes a momentous event at Jesus’ crucifixion which holds a profound symbolism.  The curtain in the Jewish temple symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Behind this curtain was the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelled and could only be accessed by the High Priest once a year under strict ritualistic conditions.

The tearing of this curtain at the moment of Jesus’ death signifies the removal of this separation, offering direct access to God through Christ.

This event marks a pivotal shift from the Old Covenant, characterized by sacrifices and rituals for atonement, to the New Covenant of grace.

In this new era, the sacrificial system is fulfilled through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, once and for all, rendering the temple rituals obsolete. Believers today are sanctified before God and found spotless and blameless before Him.

The tearing of the curtain not only symbolized access to God for the Jews but also extended this privilege to all humanity. It represents the universal invitation to approach God’s throne of grace boldly, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

The tearing of the temple curtain at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolizes a new era of direct access to God, breaking down the barriers erected by our sin.

Hebrews 4:16 (NJKV)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.