Article April 21, 2014 ISSUE

God's voice in the vocal studio

Patti C. Christopher

In biblical times, the Hebrew priests who stood in the inner court of the temple had a unique function: They were the ones to whom worshippers brought sacrifices so that they could perform the traditional burnt offerings to God. But the High Priest, who could go into the Holy of Holies, was the only priest who had direct communication with God. It was only there, behind the veil in the Holy of Holies, that intercession was made for the forgiveness of the sins of the people.

When Christ Jesus embarked on his ministry, he communicated with God continuously, healed instantaneously, and forgave men and women their sins. When he was crucified, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the inner court was rent, or torn (see Matthew 27:51). This was no small feat because the veil was, according to early Jewish tradition, woven several inches thick so that it could not be torn. It was also deeply symbolic: The torn veil in effect told humanity that there was no longer any need for ritual intercession since Christ Jesus had shown the way to turn directly to God for healing and the forgiveness of sins.