Dear church, 

We cannot read about the veil without also thinking about the tearing of the veil. That was a veil that was meant to be torn in two, right down the middle (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38). 

And we thank Jesus Christ for making a way for us to enter into God’s presence, by the covering over of our sin and immorality – things that cannot come into the presence of God.

But do you recognize the difference between the sacred and the profane? In the old era of the tabernacle, the Israelites came to learn this very well. The Holy of Holies was sacred space, as was the bulk of the tabernacle grounds. All other space was deemed ordinary. 

The tearing of the veil did not make everything sacred or profane. Rather, it brought the sacred – the very presence of God – into the hearts of those who believe the good news of Jesus Christ. Every Christian now is “sacred space” in this sense (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Do you think of your body and your soul as sacred space – a holy home for God? Spend a few moments thinking about the implications of that. If we really dig into that thought, it is daunting. Our sin seems to be too much. God surely wouldn’t dwell there!

God has entered profane space, and he is making it holy. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We come as we are in faith in Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit begins to do the work. 

The vehicle I drive is a mess – inside and out. Dirt and grime and old French fries. A little rust on the outside. I would call it space that is not sacred. 

But it could be. A person could come to it (from the outside) and clean it up, wipe it down, wash it out. 

As Christians, we must start by recognizing what we are. In some strange way, even with all our faults, we are sacred space for God. 

Chris