The tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus Christ's death is a profound event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, and Luke 23:45. This event holds deep theological significance within Christian doctrine, symbolizing the new covenant and the direct access to God granted to believers through the atoning work of Christ.

Biblical Account

In the Gospel of Matthew, the event is described as follows: "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split" (Matthew 27:51). Similarly, Mark 15:38 states, "And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." Luke 23:45 adds, "The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle."

The Veil's Purpose

The veil in the temple was a significant element of the Jewish religious system. It separated the Holy of Holies—the innermost and most sacred area of the temple, where the presence of God was believed to dwell—from the rest of the temple where the priests and the people were allowed. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

Symbolism of the Tearing

The tearing of the veil from top to bottom is rich in symbolic meaning. It signifies the end of the old covenant and the establishment of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. The direction of the tear—from top to bottom—indicates that this was an act of God, not man. It represents the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God without the need for an earthly mediator.

Theological Implications

1. Access to God: The tearing of the veil symbolizes that through Christ's sacrificial death, believers now have direct access to 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."

2. Fulfillment of the Law: The event marks the fulfillment of the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. Christ's death is seen as the ultimate and final sacrifice, rendering the temple sacrifices obsolete. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with hands, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

3. Universal Salvation: The tearing of the veil also signifies the opening of God's covenant to all people, not just the Israelites. This universal access to salvation is a cornerstone of Christian belief, as expressed in Galatians 3:28 : "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

4. End of the Temple Era: The event foreshadows the destruction of the temple in AD 70 and the end of the temple-based worship system. Jesus Himself prophesied the destruction of the temple in Matthew 24:2 : "Do you see all these things? He replied. Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

The tearing of the veil is thus a pivotal moment in Christian theology, encapsulating the transition from the old covenant to the new, the fulfillment of the law, and the establishment of a direct relationship between God and believers through Jesus Christ.