The curtain fell on Good Friday, precisely at the moment of Jesus' death, an event historically estimated to have occurred around 30-33 AD. This tearing of the earthly temple's curtain symbolized a profound shift in access to the divine.
The Momentous Event: Curtain Torn
The dramatic tearing of the temple curtain is a pivotal event described in biblical accounts. This physical barrier, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Jerusalem temple, was a highly significant architectural and symbolic element.
- Location: The Temple in Jerusalem.
- Time: Good Friday, at the culmination of Jesus' crucifixion.
- Significance: It signified the removal of the barrier between humanity and God's immediate presence.
Earthly and Heavenly Realities
The tearing of the earthly temple's curtain was not merely a physical occurrence; it was understood as a tangible manifestation of a greater heavenly reality.
| Aspect | Earthly Reality | Heavenly Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Event | The curtain in the earthly temple was torn in two. | Jesus passed through a heavenly curtain. |
| Purpose | Separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. | Jesus presented his blood in the heavenly sanctuary. |
| Outcome | The earthly veil was torn, signifying open access. | The heavenly veil was opened, providing direct access to God. |
| Symbolism | End of old covenant, direct access to God. | Our anchor (hope) holds within this heavenly veil (Hebrews 6:19). |
The Profound Significance
This singular event on Good Friday opened a new way for humanity to approach God, shifting from a system of mediated access through priests and rituals to direct access through Jesus Christ.
- Direct Access to God: Prior to this, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year, carrying the blood of sacrifice. The tearing of the curtain indicated that this separation was no longer necessary.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: It signaled the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the inauguration of the New Covenant, where salvation and reconciliation with God are made possible through Jesus' sacrifice.
- Jesus as the New High Priest: Jesus' entry "through the curtain above" into the heavenly sanctuary, presenting his own blood, established him as the ultimate High Priest, making continuous atonement for sins.
- Hope and Assurance: As stated in Hebrews 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain." This highlights the lasting security and hope available to believers through Jesus.
The curtain's fall on Good Friday, therefore, was a pivotal moment in history and theology, demonstrating the profound and complete nature of Jesus' redemptive work.
