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) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

(Hebrews 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus died to give you access to God. Come boldly before your Father today and receive His grace

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.

Note by Hazel
The significance of the veil rent from top to bottom and the torn sacrifices also rent from top to bottom, is not preached often enough. We may now enter boldly and directly into the Holy Place. Another interesting fact is that Jesus said "It is finished," and the torn veil marked it done. Salvation was a done deal, and Jesus did NOT suffer any more or need to do anything else to pay for our sins.

There was some things Jesus must do; one was to go to paradise or the grave (not literal hell) where the old testament Saints were, and preach to them, proclaiming that he was the final sacrifice.

When he rose three days later many of these saints also rose from the dead and walked the streets for a short time, until Jesus appeared to the Father and presented His blood as the final sacrifice.