WHEN OUR SAVIOR AND LORD DIED, STRANGE THINGS HAPPENED ON EARTH, STRANGEST WAS VEIL RENT IN TWAIN

1. This is a strange world, full of mysteries; some discovered, some revealed to us by God
2. When Jesus died, all creation felt the shock wave - the Spirit World did too!  Symbols show it
3. When He gave up the Ghost- the Veil of the Temple was rent, graves opened & men walked into the city of Jerusalem, and the Centurion proclaimed his faith in the Son of God.

I.- THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE DIVIDED ! Matt 27:5

We Baptists do not stand much on ceremony and ritual; in freedom we forget past bondage.

A.- IN OLDEN DAYS THERE WAS A GREAT CURTAIN BETWEEN THE HOLY PLACE AND THE HOLY OF HOLIES Heb 9:1-3

1. When the Tabernacle was built on earth by men,- it was a picture, object lesson, spirit truth
2. Moses was commanded to place a veil to hide the Holy of Holies-Exo 26:31 -to enter meant death
3. Aaron the high priest was allowed to go in only once a year- Lev 16:1-30 for the atonement

B.- IN THE DAYS OF JESUS THE HOLIEST OF ALL WAS NOT OPEN TO ALL MEN, SYMBOL OF SEPERATION -Heb 9:7-

1. The normal services could not open the Holiest; but special sacrifice prepared priest- v.7-8
2. Even the High priest faced the innermost secret place with great danger -rope to drag him out
3. The Common people were kept from the mysteries of God- went through the priest only

C.- BUT WHEN JESUS DIED, THE LARGE CURTAIN WAS SPLIT, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM GOD SPLIT IT!

1. It is recorded in Tacitus, Josephus, The Talmud, and in the NT- most sacred place opened.
2. It was the Blood of Christ, offered once for all, that opened to everyone access to God-
3. Heb 9:13-15 tells us of this power being made available to us today! - Heb 10:19 -Boldness?

But unfortunately men build for themselves further veils- between God and man! -Protection?

II.- THE VEIL REBUILT IN HUMAN HEARTS !

Though we do not believe in any second-hand religion- we soon make our own second-hand ritual

A.- IF THE WAY INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD IS OPEN, WHY DOES MAN NOT GO IN?

1. For some, it is the matter of not wanting to see God- work hard at having no faith! -Not Saved
2. But some Saved people refuse to enter into the Holiest of All- do not want to be victorious
3. And some Christians cry out to enter in, but they find themselves with minds clouded!- Why?

B.- FOR SOME IT IS A MATTER OF REAL SIN SIN TO KEEP THEM OUT OF KINGDOM, OR AWAY FROM JOY!

1. I do not believe there is anyone too great a sinner for God to save- but to want to be saved?
2. There are some sins that people deliberately choose and by choice refuse the Blood of Christ
3. But there are some sins of attitude that cloud men's minds, see through glass darkly- like drugs-sex.

C.- SOMETIMES PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIANS BUILD FOR THEMSELVES WALLS.

1. Some must have a mystique to worship- The way that is open is too plain- so turn to occult
2. For some, familiarity breeds almost contempt- at Church too often- soaked saints, not growing
3. For some the grossness of work & problems- "I cannot be spiritual & face these problems"

Since the time of our Lord's Death- the way has been open to all who dare to go into His presence

III.- THE NEW AND LIVING WAY IS OPEN! Heb 10:19-26

There are no more "Hidden Secrets" - but all is revealed to anyone who drinks of living water!

A.- YOU HAVE BUT TO PLEAD THE BLOOD OF CHRIST TO COME BOLDLY INTO THE HOLIEST PLACE - Heb 10:19

1. This is the practical part of this mysticism- you can enter God s secret place- speak face to face
2. The doubting, thirsty, hungry, weak Christian- can walk boldly in- and have every need met!
3. Normal, sinful, even Good men- would perish/but in Jesus we can walk in & God wants us close

B.- BUT THE WAY INTO THE SECRET PLACE OF BLESSING IS SIMPLE, PRACTICAL, & DOWN TO EARTH Heb 10:20-

1. Our part is explained- key words- Hold Fast; confession; draw near; provoke to love; assemble;
2. If God asked us to do some mysterious ritual, we would do it- but how about practical love?
3. Most of us today know all the hard answers- but too lazy to do simple things we know!

C.- WE ARE TO ENTER THE HOLIEST EVEN THE MORE AS WE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING Heb 10:25

1. In Matthew 27:54 the Centurion had faith enough to call Jesus Son of God- Do you?
2. The graves were opened- and saints walked - why not get out of your grave & walk with Jesus?
3. If the power was given to men 2,000 years ago,- why not claim it today, and open your eyes?

The greatest mysteries of God are open to you,-but you must enter into the Veil-

YOU CAN CAST OFF THE BLINDNESS OF THE PAST, THE DEPENDENCE ON THE HIGH PRIEST, AND ENTER YOURSELF!

1. Jesus made His move- He died in your place, shed His blood, ripped the veil- Now up to you!
2. If you as a Christian are dissatisfied with your life- enter the Holiest of all- freely!
3. If you draw near, God will change your life! - The way into the throne room is open!