In the Jerusalem Temple, there was a massive veil - a thick curtain that separated the Holy of Holies (where God's presence dwelled) from the rest of the Temple.
Only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
This veil represented the separation between God and humanity because of sin. It said: "You cannot approach God on your own. You need a mediator. Stay back."
For 1,500 years, that veil hung there as a constant reminder that humans couldn't just waltz into God's presence.
Then Jesus died.
Matthew 27:51 records what happened at the exact moment of Jesus's death: "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom."
From top to bottom.
Not bottom to top - which would suggest human hands tore it. From TOP to BOTTOM, meaning God Himself ripped it open.
In that moment, God was declaring: "The separation is OVER. The barrier is GONE. Through Jesus's sacrifice, the way into my presence is now OPEN to anyone who believes."
No more High Priest needed as mediator - Jesus is our High Priest.
No more yearly sacrifices needed - Jesus was the final sacrifice.
No more restricted access - the way is now OPEN.
The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain... let us draw near to God." (Hebrews 10:19-22)
Let us DRAW NEAR.
Not stay at a distance. Not approach with fear. DRAW NEAR.
The torn veil is one of the most powerful symbols in Scripture. It represents the gospel: Jesus's death removed every barrier between us and God.