And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. —Matthew 27:51
To symbolize the equality of privilege and responsibility in the covenant, sacrificial animals were split from top to bottom. Each half stood for one partner in the covenant. No one was represented by the head, and no one was represented by the tail.
Our covenant with God is a contract between equals only because Jesus Christ took our place and accomplished what we could not do for ourselves. In mercy, God did not give us what we had earned. Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross. In grace, God gave us what we could never earn. The gift of God’s Son gave us eternal life.
At the moment Jesus died, the curtain in the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom. This symbolized that Jesus had now paid the price for man to have access to the throne room of God (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus died to give you access to God. Come boldly before your Father today and receive His grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Lord Jesus, I receive Your mercy and Your grace.
I can never earn salvation, but I trust You
by faith to receive all You have
for me. I love You, Lord. Amen.
