Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

April 19– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” 

—Matthew 27:51

 

It took no small miracle to tear a veil so strong and thick as this in the temple of God, but it was not intended merely to be a display of power; many lessons were taught by it.

The first lesson is that the old law of ordinances (especially the sacrificial system) was put away, and, like a worn-out garment, torn and laid aside. When Jesus died, the sacrifices were all finished because all were fulfilled in Him, and, therefore, the place of their presentation became a token of decay.

Secondly, the ripping of the veil revealed the hidden things of the Old Covenant. The mercy-seat could now be seen, and the glory of God gleamed forth above it.

Also the annual ceremony of atonement was abolished. The atoning blood that was sprinkled every year by the earthly High Priest within the veil was now offered once for all by the Great High Priest of Heaven. No more blood from bulls and goats was needed because Jesus has entered within the veil with his own blood.

Before the veil was torn, access to God was limited, but now it is permitted and is the privilege of every believer in Jesus Christ. He has opened more than a small hole through which to peer at the mercy seat, but, rather, the tear reaches from the top to the bottom. We may come with boldness to the throne of heavenly grace. Our bleeding Lord has the key of heaven, and what he opens no man can shut. [M&E]