We feel the need for veils as they symbolize privacy, mystery, and a covering for our hidden identity. But, why do we try to place veils between us and God? The source is fear and our unworthiness.

Physical Covering

Veils are a physical covering and used as protection, or to produce a sense of mystery. When used as a symbol as in a bridal veil, it represents purity and modesty and the sacredness of marriage.

In some cultures veils are more than just traditional dress. They are meant to express modesty and religious devotion. However, they have become a symbol of bondage and severe oppression. 

Spiritual Veil

Mankind has an inborn instinct to protect himself against God’s holiness because of his own sinful nature. It all began in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3. Adam and Eve had a desperate need for a covering.

When man was perfect in all his ways there was no need of a barrier between God and himself. Once man broke God’s law and became a sinner it was more than just the need for a covering. There was a desperate need to hide from the presence of God Almighty, Genesis 3:7,8.

Man cons himself that veils hide things he doesn’t want revealed. Man has a desperate need to hide from God through a wide variety of barriers and veils.

Types of Veils

We all wear veils of some sort. Veils that provide self-protection, self-promotion and above all conceal self-desire. These veils take the form of ignorance and unbelief, fear and anxiety, pride and self-reliance. Others deliberately use veils to create power and control and hide half-truths and lies. Just as Satan veiled the truth in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3.

There are veils of shame and guilt, unforgiveness and bitterness, fueled by the spirit of offense. Many wear veils of a false persona, busyness and distraction, addictions and compulsive behaviour. There are veils inflicted by trauma and pain. Veils that are fed by deception and false teaching.

Veils that allow us to hide the real person from others and distance ourselves from the One who created us. The truth is that God knows the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:10 and no veil can hide us from Him.

Manmade Barriers

Religion is the most common manmade barrier between God and man and a favourite tool of Satan. The religious man is happy because he has someone who represents God and stands in for him.

This is accompanied by a series of rituals that make the person feel they are paying homage to the great I Am That I Am, Exodus 3:14. It is an impersonal action that is simple repetition and familiarity. Even lukewarm Christians and many unbelievers can recite the ‘Lord’s Prayer’, Matthew 6:9-13.

Religious activity does not change lives. Even though the rituals can be performed with fervor and passion, the rituals are superficial and a form of bondage.

Human Preference

Moses’ face shone from having been in the presence of the glory of God. The people demanded he put a veil over his face, Exodus 30-33‘. They could not bear to see the blinding glory of God.

The reality is all humans feel the need for a veil, including the vast majority of Christians. We use the veil as a way to hide the ‘real me’. On the other hand it is vital to maintain veils, as the only one we can truly reveal ourselves to is the Creator. We cannot be open and the same to all people.

Temple Veil in Judaism

In Judaism the Temple veil was of great significance. The Holy of Holies was seen as the earthly place where God’s presence dwelt. Men were content to be separated from such a holy place, for men are sinners, Isaiah 59:1,2, and unfit to enter the presence of God. Only the High Priest could pass through the veil once a year and offer the blood sacrifice for the atonement of the people, Exodus 30:10.

When Jesus died at Calvary, the Temple veil was rent from top to bottom, Matthew 27:50,51. The earth was split also as a symbol of the new Way, John 14:6. Man instinctively and immediately tried to restore the veil.

Natural man could not abide even the symbolism of no veil between himself and the presence of a holy God. After Calvary God would have a personal relationship with each of His people. A veil was no longer necessary for the price of redemption had been paid. 

Our High Priest

Christ is the High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-16, of those who have faith in Him and accept Him as their personal Lord and Saviour. That is what makes Christianity unique.

Man no longer needs any other representative. Followers of Christ are hid in Christ Jesus, Colossians 3:3, so He in effect becomes our veil.

We have free access to boldly approach God’s throne of grace, Hebrews 4:14-16. Yet, the vast majority shrink away from a personal relationship with a Holy God. The cost of dying to self is too high, yet it is part of the God’s eternal plan.

Why Remove the Veil

Man is a spirit and a soul living in a body, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, so the guarantee of eternal life is just the beginning. Christ died that we might have a full and personal relationship with God, the Great I Am That I Am, Exodus 3:14, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, John 14:23.

The heart and eternal plan of God is that we dwell in full fellowship with Him. A relationship that is even better than what the perfect Adam had in the Garden of Eden.

Sadly, only a few of Christ’s followers, Matthew 7:13,14, will go all the way and allow every veil to be removed. They are the ones who have a heart’s desire to grow into measure of the fulness of the stature that belongs to Jesus Christ, Ephesians 4:13. Removing all the veils in our life is a lifetime process, for it is easy to pick up yet another veil.

No Need for Veils

Veils are vital part of our natural life. However, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal every type of veil that is a barrier to an honest relationship with God.

We must earnestly seek the presence of God, for there alone will we find peace for our soul. The world is a troubling place, but we are called to be in the world, but not of the world, John 17:14,15. It is urgent that we open our hearts to a real covenantal relationship with God and make Him the centre and hub of our existence. He alone is the answer to a world in utter chaos.

It takes courage for us to not prefer or need veils before God and thereby grow into being an overcomer. That relationship is the only thing we will take into eternity. Are you ready to meet Him face to face, for our time left here is short?

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a servant of the Lord who enjoys researching Biblical topics and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God. She asks the hard questions.

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